Is anyone pressured to work overtime?

[ez]

At the post office, there is an overtime list. Most people are on it, because it is a great way to make extra money. Fortunately, with our 2 income family, my time is more important than the money and I am not on the list.
During the holidays, when overtime is almost imposible to avoid, because of the heavy parcel volume, even people not on the list are forced to work overtime. I am in the early stages of what has been a very difficult pregnancy in which I have repeatedly threatened to miscarry, and doctors instruction is that I do not work more than 8 hours a day. My boss has gone thru the roof over me saying I need half an hour help. Even though almost the whole office is working overtime, apparently I'm supposed to do 9 hours work in 8, rather than him giving me help. People on the overtime list can stroll in whenever they want, pretty much do whatever they want, but if you are not on the list you are under scrutiny for every second of your time.
I have had my job for so many years, I feel that I should not be harassed over this issue, and having a rough pregnancy has just compounded everything.
Does anyone else have a job where you get treated badly if you don't work overtime, or is this exclusive to the USPS? Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

 

[Krisu]

I don't work for the USPS but my brother does. I know exactly what you are talking about. He took himself off the list but during one of our snowstorms since people called out all remaining workers were told they had to stay and finish those routes. Stick to your guns about not working over, If you have a note from the doctor.

 

[lindamg]

I understand your unique circumstances, and you should not work more hours than are healthy for you. But I think forced, or expected, overtime is pretty common in some work areas this time of year. My husband works for a large warehouse chain and from Thanksgiving through Christmas he is simply told that he will work THESE hours this week, and they always involve longer hours, or losing his day off, throwing him into overtime. But when he took the job, they were told straight up to expect this during this season. I'm sure other retail stores must work the same way.

If the consumer expects the ability to shop at all sorts of odd hours, and expects the shelves to be stacked, then retail has to expect overtime of its employees.

 

[beccab]

ez

I do not work at the PO but a very close friend has worked there many years & she too has had very similar experiences.

Some locations treat their employees horribly. When my friend's mom died in Dec (several years ago now) & then her father died the following April she took a week off for everything including a lot of legal issues involved. She was put on a warning since she had lready taken that much time for her mom's death. They were really heartless.

I work in the credit field which was the support for the retail business. We had to be there for whatever the store hours were but we were never made to work extra.

It is very stressfull to have to work extra during a time when one wants to be happy & enjoy the holidays. It really can take the fun out of them.

Good luck to you & baby!

 

[Snoozan]

Have you given your employer a note from your doctor advising you that you cannot work more than 8 hours/day? That should be done, especially if you feel your job may be in jeopardy because of your not working overtime. Be sure you keep copies of everything documented, just in case.

 

[aprilgail2]

I work for the railroad, there is PLENTY of overtime if you want it, I haven't worked any in about 10 years but if you want it you can.....we are union so we are not forced to work anything over 40 a week....

 

[swea_pea1]

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) legally prevents your employer from requiring you to work any time your doctor has indicated you cannot work. They are not permitted to force you to work overtime. If you haven't already done so, call your HR department and get the necessary FMLA paperwork that your doctor can sign. As Snoozan said, keep it all documented and get it on file.

Keeping your baby healthy is the most important thing! Good luck to you and have a Merry Christmas!