Co-worker’s odd hours... is this breaking any rules?

Law Discussions
1

I’ve got a co-worker who’s supposed to work from 8 to 4:30, but she’s been coming in super early at 6:30 am. She gets about half an hour of night shift pay for that, and then leaves by 3 pm. We’re in a union job, and she’s really close with the manager, so I’m wondering if this could be bending any rules or laws? Anyone familiar with this kind of thing?

2

Interesting… does your union have specific guidelines on who can work certain hours? Maybe there’s something in the contract about it?

3

Noel said:
Interesting… does your union have specific guidelines on who can work certain hours? Maybe there’s something in the contract about it?

Our union posts jobs for different shifts like day, evening, and night. She’s technically still on day shift, but just starts earlier. Not sure if that makes a difference.

4

@Crosby
Yeah, if she’s on day shift officially, maybe it’s allowed. Just depends on what the union says, I guess.

5

Sounds like favoritism to me. Unless it’s based on race, age, or something protected, favoritism itself isn’t against the law.

6

Sage said:
Sounds like favoritism to me. Unless it’s based on race, age, or something protected, favoritism itself isn’t against the law.

That’s what I thought too… it’s not like she’s getting it for any protected reason, just seems like she’s close to the manager.

7

Does your union have any rules about who’s eligible for night shift differential? That part seems a bit off.

8

Marcus said:
Does your union have any rules about who’s eligible for night shift differential? That part seems a bit off.

As far as I know, anyone working before a certain time gets it, so technically she’s okay there. Just feels weird since she’s not on night shift.

9

@Crosby
I get it. If she’s technically within the rules, there’s not much that can be done, I suppose.

10

If it’s just favoritism and not discrimination, it’s probably unfair but not necessarily illegal.

11

Wylie said:
If it’s just favoritism and not discrimination, it’s probably unfair but not necessarily illegal.

Yeah, just feels like something’s off about it. Wish there was a rule against this kinda thing.

12

Maybe talk to your union rep if it’s bothering you. They might have a better idea of what’s allowed.

13

Uma said:
Maybe talk to your union rep if it’s bothering you. They might have a better idea of what’s allowed.

Good idea, thanks! I’ll reach out to see if there’s any guidance on this.