Forced to work overtime without pay. Can anything be done about it?

[Voicy]

Avatar tells it like it is.

Quite often in the consulting field it's not a case of your manager/director making a bugger up, it's the client who woke up too late and now magically wants the architect/engineering team to spin out a design and get documentation done overnight. It's the rule more than the exception. Unfortunately if you want your company to survive, you bow into the pressure and do what's needed.

Yeah agreed. I think from what I've seen, you're an elec engineer like me? Deadlines come with the territory, and I've also have done some massive overtime. Often working right through the night for a couple of days straight. No more extra pay for me.

But if you earn less than that threshold, then by law they need to pay you the overtime. Personally, I think 1 to 2 hours overtime isn't a train smash and you should be ok with it, but anything over that shouldn't happen for any extended period of time.

Yep. I've never been one to refuse work by saying it's not in my job description. Even working 1-2hrs overtime to get stuff sorted for the next day is just logical for me instead of putting pressure on yourself tomorrow.

But yeah - the project deadlines always end up being "an emergency" and we get told that they'll sort us out at the end of the year with bonuses. Problem with that is, bonuses are split equally. So if you put in 100hrs more than the other guy, you still get the same bonus. The bonuses are also not even close to normal working rates, let alone x1.5 / x2. Which becomes a slap in the face if your base salary isn't even market related.

The saddest part is, management does not realise that this makes even their eager employees become despondent. It's gone on for far too long where you (and me) shut up and do our work because we feel grateful for just having a job.

[Avatar]

Avatar tells it like it is.

Quite often in the consulting field it's not a case of your manager/director making a bugger up, it's the client who woke up too late and now magically wants the architect/engineering team to spin out a design and get documentation done overnight. It's the rule more than the exception. Unfortunately if you want your company to survive, you bow into the pressure and do what's needed

Geez, I completely forgot about this part. I'm working on a design project right now. The design spec from the clients for the entire project:

1) Must use a turbine engine.
2) Must carry four people.
3) Must have marble floors.



Clients are idiots, much more than execs.

[czc]

That's fine, but don't expect to get it for free. I've got no problem helping out to get an essential contract, but my time isn't free. It really ticks me off when I watch the so-called decision makers running off home at four thirty everyday, while the engineers kill themselves to deliver, then those same lazy executives get fat rewards and pats on the back for delivering on time. Often the only reason those companies aren't bankrupt is because of the technical guys saving the day.

Sure, except Handover was in November. The furnace was put in 'late'

Quite often in the consulting field it's not a case of your manager/director making a bugger up, it's the client who woke up too late and now magically wants the architect/engineering team to spin out a design and get documentation done overnight.

This

[Wyzak]

What does your contract say? Depends on the type of work you do and the amount of hours. If you exceed the maximum amount of legislated hours then there is definitely something you can do about it.

[toni]

I feel your pain really I do.

I have been working plenty over time yet we don't get paid for it. I have had plenty of fights with my boss last month that passed, I got him to pay for my two days leave, wich we we never get and public holidays and he never pays for that.It is all about how you deal with it.Communication is really everything.
The only thing I can tell you is work and have a chat with your boss, set up a meeting and talk things out. Get your boss to try and understand where you are coming from. Try and do so before going the drastic route of CCMA.
Hope that things go better for you. Always remember walk away with your head held high and with respect. Do not speak out of emotions and anger that won't solve anything. Just nip it in the bud and speak to your boss.
Those who work hard in a company and put up with all the shit get further in life as a person. Those who do not will never get any where. You will be respected more.