Re: Pressure For Free Overtime

["Pro TechWriter" <pro -dot- techwriter -at- gmail -dot- com>]

Oh, this brings back memories!

This has happened to me, and not only did the company (a well-known medical
device manufacturer) ask me to work "off the books," the company wanted me
(who was employedb y the contracting firm) to *sign an agreement* without
the contracting firm's knowledge stating that I would not record any
overtime, and then the company, if they *so chose* would allow me occasional
time off for a doctor appt. or the like, but would pay me for 40 hours a
week no matter how many hours I worked.

BTW, this was a regular 50-60 hr work week at the time with many deadlines.
They wanted me to record and bill for 40 hours, period. And they
promised they would FIRE ME if I did not sign the contract to cheat the
contracting firm!

OMG. I was sooooo angry.

First, I told the company that I could not contract with them--their
contract was with my employer, the contracting firm. And I was contracted
with the contracting firm. So any contract between me and that company was
not possible or legally binding.

Then, I called my resource at the contracting firm (a large, fortune 500
company, now) and they were very upset that:
-  I had been asked to "cheat" them
- The company had threatened to fire me (there was a contract, after all)
- The company had put everyone in a bad position with the Feds, because it
is illegal to avoid paying certain job classifications (contractors)
overtime!

Eventually, the contracting firm adjusted their financial agreement with the
client, but kept my pay rate the same. And, they never worked with this
company again after my contract ended. And neither did I.  That company gets
the prize for the worst employer ever. Nasty nasty people.

PT
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