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Job Positions Based on Time Arriving Early for Work

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  • 12-19-2014, 09:55 AM
    raider132
    Job Positions Based on Time Arriving Early for Work
    My question involves employment and labor law for the state of: Washington/Federal

    I work for the Department of Defense (Army Civilian) in Washington State. About a year ago, our boss told us he was going to start placing us in job assignments based on the times we arrive for work. Although it is voluntary to come in early, it is clear that those who do come in are getting the easiest assignments and those who come in later (or on time) are getting stuck with the worst ones (no clear definition of what is meant by better or worse, but some positions are requested 1st on a daily basis). It has gotten to the point now where people are coming in an hour early to get these choice appointments. While those who come in on time are left with no choice and get stuck in the most unpopular positions. I should note that our start time is 4am, and so people are arriving at 3am. With some of us living further away than others, this would mean getting up at 2am to go to work and then waiting an hour for the bosses to arrive. Positions are based on the order in line...with the bosses not showing up until 4am. I have gone up the chain of command and spoke to union rep who both responded that it is voluntary. I just feel next they will be asking who is going to come wash their car or make them coffee. Is this legal????
  • 12-19-2014, 10:19 AM
    jk
    Re: Job Positions Based on Time Arriving Early for Work
    It's legal because it is your option to get in line first so you get your choice of jobs or simply accept whatever jobs are left after they have been picked over. As long as the jobs aren't doled out based on some illegal discrimination there is nothing wrong with their methods.
  • 12-19-2014, 10:25 AM
    llworking
    Re: Job Positions Based on Time Arriving Early for Work
    I agree that its legal, but it seems counterproductive to me. All its going to do is damage to morale.
  • 12-19-2014, 04:03 PM
    Disagreeable
    Re: Job Positions Based on Time Arriving Early for Work
    I suggest you motion at the next meeting that they negotiate a white paper agreement jobs to be assigned by seniority.
  • 12-19-2014, 05:41 PM
    DAWW
    Re: Job Positions Based on Time Arriving Early for Work
    As mentioned, something can be both legal and dumb. One concern not raised is that by coming in early the employee can pick their assignment, and there are some pretty good reasons to not let the employee do that from management's point of view. If someone is trying to game the system some how, choosing their own assignments is a pretty good starting point. Smart management should want to not only assign the positions, but rotate the assignments. This not only better trains the staff, but makes it harder for someone to game the system.

    Regarding washing the boss's car and making coffee, also not inherently illegal.
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