Unpaid overtime policy leaves few options

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Dear Joan:
Six months ago, I was hired at an established medium-sized company. On my first day on the job, I found my department manager expected me to work a 45-hour week, along with four other salaried personnel. This was never brought up in the interview, and I assumed the work week to be 40 hours a week with the normal overtime of a business cycle.

I've since found that the 45-hour week is mandatory for this department, and it's only considered over-time above 45 hours. The clerical people of our department are paid hourly and work a 40-hour week with no overtime.

Initially, I resisted this arrangement. However, I found out that there are opportunities outside this department. When I approached my supervisor about the overtime policy, his response was "don't ask." I've learned that he and my other three co-workers are similarly upset with the policy, but all have been with the company for 25-plus years and are afraid of making waves. The vice president is pushing my supervisor to enforce the policy, which is only being carried out in this department.

It seems my hands are tied. Talking to my supervisor does nothing. Talking to the vice president jeopardizes future growth and any standing I do have. Talking to personnel would only be relayed back to the vice president.

Answer:
If your boss wants you to work 45 hours a week, that is what you must work if you are to meet the requirements of the job. If the job calls for two hours a night of paper work, you'd be wise to do it. If it requires weekends, you are expected to put in the time.

One of the differences between hourly workers and salaried workers is the way they are paid. Salaried workers are usually viewed as members of management and expected to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Their status, pay, benefits and tasks - such as more discretion over what they do each day - all reflect the difference. Most never collect overtime, no matter how many hours they put in, even when companies have policies that allow for management overtime.

In the management ranks, the reward for all those hours of hard work is a promotion with more responsibilities. Once you get the promotion, even more hours are generally the rule because responsibility increases. These extra hours are rarely mandated.

There may be a deeper reason why your group has been told it must work these extra hours. Has there been an increase in workload? Has this group resisted working longer hours while other groups willingly put in the time?

It appears that there are many opportunities for you in this job. Your co-workers may be thinking about retirement, the company may be growing and you could have a bright future. If you continue to feel resentful about what is expected of you, however, you may be wise to look for a job that doesn't require as much.

I strongly encourage you to adjust your perspective and think of the company as your company. If you feel ownership and commitment, the extra hours worked won't mean much because you are contributing to its success... and your own.

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