UPDATE: HR got involved today and called me.

62 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 10:37PM UTC

   Did you already meet with HR about this? Meet with HR separately to see if something can be done to resolve the issue. Make sure you have documentation of everything you claim and show (do not fwd) in writing. If the HR seems supportive, the next step is the meet with HR an your manager. If HR is not supportive, reach out to the next boss above your manager (only if you have a rapport). If that still does not work, I would recommend the following:

   1) Start looking elsewhere: If your boss is unethical now and no one in the environment is willing to compensate you, look elsewhere.

   2) Wait until you secure your next job and take legal action to recoup $11k they owe you. Retain full documentation as evidence. Thats practically a new compact car or half the cost of an SUV. Yea, I would want my dayyum money, PLUS INTEREST!!!

2. Strawberry JoonAugust 10,2022 at 5:16AM UTC

   Thank you, this is good advice and appreciated.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 9,2022 at 11:08PM UTC

   YOU SAID:

   "Hasn't happened yet " I hate to tell you this, but it's not going to happen.

   If your manager has been shaving hours off your time sheet every week, how are you going to prove that they owe you 280 hours of overtime?

   What did your manager's boss say when you told him he was reducing your hours every week?

4. Strawberry JoonAugust 10,2022 at 5:15AM UTC

   His boss was livid and said he was going to talk to him today but I'm pretty sure that didn't happen because they're friends

5. Strawberry JoonAugust 10,2022 at 5:17AM UTC

   I have kept a running log of the time I entered with screenshots and accumulated totals.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 10,2022 at 8:26AM UTC

   Good for you for taking the screen shots.
   If it's "approved overtime" why is he taking the hours away from you? I believe this is called wage theft. Labor Law is certainly not my specialty - You may have to consult with an attorney. If it comes to it, possibly paying one to write a letter threatening to sue hopefully would be enough to get them to pay you as opposed to actually having to sue, which could eat up most of your 11k.

   You have two issues here - the second of which is "they just hired a new guy who reports to me but they gave him the title I should've had all along and also the compensation I've been waiting and working so hard for."

   I hope you re-read that and see it for what it is. This is so disrespectful and unfortunately, an indicator of how this company both sees and values your contributions.

   Once you get the issue of your back overtime straightened out, I highly suggest you fire up your resume and find yourself a position where you will be paid and valued for the work you do and have access to the promotion opportunities you deserve.

   And once you find another job, please consider finding out of you can report them to your Labor Board. It could prevent them from doing this to someone else.

   Please let me know if you have any questions and please let us know what happens. GOOD LUCK!

7. AnonymousAugust 10,2022 at 12:37AM UTC

   Leave.

8. AnonymousAugust 10,2022 at 12:51AM UTC

   If they don't cut you a check immediately you can file a complaint with your local labor board or hire an attorney.

   As for continuing to work there, I'm not sure that would be wise.

   The new guy will report to you for only as long as it takes for you to train him. Then you’ll either be let go or end up reporting to the new guy.

9. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 12:18PM UTC

   They've just hired your new boss. It's time to leave.

10. AnonymousAugust 10,2022 at 2:20AM UTC

    that is so disrespectful of them to do that to you and abuse your dedication to the company. I would have to suit up and file if they don’t compensate you. Write and document everything, this is not okay. As someone who works hard for their money dont let them take advantage any longer

11. AnonymousAugust 10,2022 at 12:32PM UTC

    This is a classic tactic used by managers to keep good people doing good work and loyal to the company without having to compensate you fairly. The only way to fix this is to get a new job - the disloyalty bonus will more than compensate for three years of broken promises.

    In regards to unpaid overtime, get yourself an employment lawyer. That is egregious.

12. AnonymousAugust 11,2022 at 1:29PM UTC

    Discussions of narcissism use the term "future faking" for the tactic of making empty promises to keep someone in line.

    It's a good reason to leave or threaten to leave. It may also be an EEO violation.

13. Strawberry JoonAugust 10,2022 at 12:58PM UTC

    Thanks so much! I appreciate your offer. You'll hear from me soon.

14. Jackie GhedineAugust 10,2022 at 1:34PM UTC

    That makes me happy. I can't wait to connect - you've got this!

15. JJAugust 10,2022 at 11:10PM UTC

    How many ways can I say quit?
    What a horrible company! Also report them to your state employee protection division. Changing time cards is against the law. I hope can find a new job.

16. AnonymousAugust 11,2022 at 1:26PM UTC

    If you can document that overtime, you can file a complaint. If you can't, then start documenting every little thing starting yesterday!

    You may also have an EEO case. Consulting an employment attorney who takes the side of employees seems to be the best next step.

17. Mischelle WeaverAugust 11,2022 at 3:14PM UTC

    Many states also have “treble damages” clauses when employees are not paid properly. Treble damages means the amount owed times 3. Its intended to be punitive to prevent things like this. Make sure you are receiving what is owed to you. That’s terrible to be treated that way!

18. Sylvia Hollingworth ReichleAugust 12,2022 at 12:06PM UTC

    I’m an HR Director. They’re in violation of DOL wage and hour regs regarding the overtime issue. Document EVERYTHING and see an attorney. Second, hiring a man in with the title and pay owed to you is discriminatory and may be a violation of EEOC regs. Start looking for another job now, see an attorney. You can also contact the state offices for Department of Labor and EEOC to directly file complaints on these issues.

19. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

    all sounds well and good, but I utilized the EEOC in a very clear unfair termination situation. They accepted my case and it took 9 mos, but we went to remediation. my former employer balked at everything and hired an attorney to push back against the EEOC. They made a COMPLETELY false allegation against me during the "negotiations" and the EEOC rep could do nothing for me; her response: I'm not a judge or attorney, I merely represent the EEOC in this "negotiation". That false allegation could have destroyed my career, and I didn't have the strength or money (attorney fees) to fight it. I hate it when folks say "Call an attorney or the EEOC"...I learned my lesson. UNless you've got 40K to throw at a lengthy legal process, it's wise to cut your losses and move on. True but sad.

20. Deanna YoungAugust 12,2022 at 12:13PM UTC

    Leave

21. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 12:16PM UTC

    Lol!! What other signs do you need that this isn’t the place for you to work?!? You will NEVER see a penny of that overtime. Stop working extra hours, and start updating that resume.

22. GirlBossanova934974August 12,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

    Hopefully, you have some sort of timecard system or labor reporting system which shows you worked those overtime hours. Because if you don't, you are unlikely to get paid for any of it. In cases like this, I always say, believe people based upon what they do and not what they say. I had a similar situation around 20 years ago. The VP of IT promised me all sorts of training and extra pay while I was doing the company's current business AND my coworkers were going off to fancy very expensive training classes for a new IT system. They got the goodies and I got the job to bring in the bucks to support that. Promises galore! 2 months before the new IT system got running, everyone got their new assignment in an all hands meeting. Mine? VP of IT says "So and so will keep doing whatever he/she is doing........" Whatever? Like bringing in another $1.5M in additional revenue last month by using the current IT system? Yea sure.............My letter of resignation was on the desk in 3 weeks time. BYE! Believe people for what they do!

23. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 12:44PM UTC

    If everything you are saying here is 100% accurate, then you have your answer.
    They don't care about you, don't follow thru on commitments, and are paying you unfairly (to say the least). So, does that sound like a good employment situation? No, it does not. And...assuming you've spoken up, advocated for yourself, etc all along the way...(assuming you've done all of that!)....and now, someone is hired who is making more than you? Well..I would say it's time to find a new job. No amount of talking, persuading, etc is going to work for you. As others have said, let's hope you've got those "approved overtime" hours and emails documented. maybe, just maybe, you can get your hard earned money. hope you can get out of there. By the way...as others have said, it's time to leave. I hope that's clear to you. You're currently in that "fog" we can get into when we're in a crappy situation but trying to muddy our way thru it. In hindsight...further down your career road...you'll see that they were using you and never intended to reward all of your work in any way. But you can't see it now. You're too deep into being loyal and not understanding their weird signals and lack of fidelity toward you. Your employer does not care.

24. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

    Contact your State's Department of Labor and file a complaint. Hopefully you have the documentation to prove it.

    I would also get my resume in order and start applying for a new position immediately.

25. Kimberly G. SmothersAugust 12,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    You say approved OT?? Do you have something in writing that it was approved? And after the fact, the manager changed your timecard? If yes, there is no doubt a labor law violation on the companies part. You will probably not recoup the OT you already worked if you can't prove these allegations. I understand you put in the extra work and time with the promise of a raise and title for 3 years. You should have addressed this issue 2 1/2 years ago as what you allowed longterm has continued and could affect your case. You could raise a complaint with HR about it but HR is mostly there to protect the company, not the employee. I'd start by going to HR but also start looking for another job. Once you have landed a job and left the company, then file a complaint with the EEOC for gender discrimination and wage and hour violations for ther the time worked and be sure you can prove you actually worked those hours with timecard or other approved time reporting documents. Gather your copies and supporting emails and other documents NOW. You make no mention of your age but this could also be part of your EEOC complaint if the new guy is much younger with the same degrees and skill sets as you. You have the burden of proof. There is a time limit on complaint filing also so be mindful of the deadline.

26. G C HesseAugust 12,2022 at 1:17PM UTC

    Curious as to why you've allowed this to continue. Obviously you are content with the situation.

27. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 1:59PM UTC

    They dangled the carrot of a nice raise and good title. I assume she saw these extra hours as investments in her future with that company. Maybe even expected a little retroactive appreciation when the time came… and has been convincing herself for a while that it’ll come to fruition, it’s hard to accept you’re being manipulated and lied to.

28. Melissa VerdoniAugust 16,2022 at 3:36PM UTC

    maybe she was SUPPOSED to be payed for that overtime at some point,,, what they did is illegal. as for the promotion , these things take time sometimes, again they were assholes, nice that you blame the victim ,bravo

29. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 1:22PM UTC

    If it is true that your manager/manager's boss has been changing your timesheet, why did you wait so long to address it? If it was not fixed the first couple of pay periods, you should not have continued to put in the work (no pay, no work!).

    280 hours is a lot of time that you cannot get back, and $10,500 is a sum of money, but if you have the ability to get over it, that would be my advice. You would be spending a lot more time and money to fight to get it, and unless you have the proper documentation, it will likely be for nothing.

    I recommend looking for a new opportunity. Sometimes leaving your current company to join a new one will give you a bigger raise - it all just depends on your situation. "Promises" made are only just that - promises, aka words. If there is no signed, written agreement saying that you will be promoted and given a raise by specified time, it will likely not be happening. You are obviously not appreciated here, and with your experience, you should be able to easily land a new position with more pay.

    Best of luck to you!

30. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

    I don’t disagree, but you could have an inquiry opened on their shady employment practices on your way out.
    It may or may not financially pay off for you depending how much you can individually prove, but do you think you’re the only one they cheat?

31. Communication CoachAugust 12,2022 at 1:26PM UTC

    Make sure you have all of your actual hours documented and report this to the Equal employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) //https://www.eeoc.gov If you have emails you wrote with a time on them, after regular hours - pull those for actual documentation. Once they notify you they have investigated and ruled in your favor, that usually takes care of the issue. There are times an attorney is required. It's important that you have already files a complaint with EEOC as many attorneys will not take the case until they know the investigation has already been done with you prevailing. Many employment law attorneys will take the case on contingency with them getting a percentage of the monies the court awards. Most likely, your employer will have to pay your attorney's fees. No one should let that much overtime accumulate before taking action. Be discreet about the investigation and keep it to yourself. I hope you are looking for a new position. Please have a written contract with your new job so you have promises with something to back you up! To your success!

32. AnonymousAugust 13,2022 at 12:51AM UTC

    Find an attorney who will take the case on contingency.

    The party who loses the case typically pays the winner’s legal fees plus any settlement awarded the winner. Note that if the winner receives a settlement, the winner’s lawyer typically receives one-third to 40% of the settlement amount.

33. Amy KilroyAugust 12,2022 at 1:35PM UTC

    Not paying OT for hours worked (for hourly employees) is considered wage theft and a very serious violation of payroll law. I hope that you have documentation of your timesheets b/c you should report this to the EEOC and DOL. There are companies that have been shuttered for practices like these. At the very least, stop working overtime immediately!

34. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 1:54PM UTC

    Do you have any proof or support for the time card alterations?
    That’s illegal of them to do. It’s time to smile and nod at whatever these fools say while you go talk to someone at the department of labor.

    play nice, gather and secure your evidence.

35. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

    Oh dear, I was also shafted but not half as bad as you are. You can kiss your promotion goodbye.

    I was encouraged to apply for other opportunities internally, made it to the final round several times and was then told that I was too valuable in my current role to be allowed to leave.

    Then I was promised a promotion which never came, when I asked for an update I was told that I misunderstood something. And when I then resigned I was told I was ungrateful.

    Well, get out of there is all I can say!

36. JenniferAugust 12,2022 at 2:08PM UTC

    I would consult a labor atty. About the time fraud they are commiting this is criminal. Is there anything you have in writing regarding your promotion etc.? Do not back down you owe it to yourself to stand up and not be taken advantage of.

37. Christi MillerAugust 12,2022 at 2:30PM UTC

    I would definitely go to a labor attorney with all proof you have of the labor changes. I would also find a new job. The promotion and raise are not coming. You deserve better. Good luck.

38. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 2:32PM UTC

    I was in a similar position years ago and I kept advocating for myself which was exhausting, but it worked at eventually where they promoted me and gave me a substantial raise. I agree with other comments here as well to get someone involved since you have documentation. I am sorry you're going through this.

39. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

    Report this company to the DOL

40. Focused721350August 12,2022 at 2:39PM UTC

    Good Morning,

    You sure have more patience than I do! I wouldn't even play their stupid Power game. I wouldn't give myself a headache on this. I'd hire an Labor Atty. Just like Jennifer mentioned. These Power trips think they can just walk all over anyone. Not! You go and do what you need to do to get what belongs to you!

    Good Luck and God Bless, Ms.T ;)

41. EMILY KIKUE FRANKAugust 12,2022 at 3:20PM UTC

    At least have a conversation with a labor attorney. What they're doing isn't legal and they are relying on the hassle of taking action disuading you.

42. Sarah LarsonAugust 12,2022 at 3:21PM UTC

    As some of the others have said, this is wage theft.

    I would attain an attorney and start a file on your personal computer or hard drive of the messages with approved overtime and asking for pay for the hours ASAP.
    Next, silent quit and look for a new job. Silent quitting is all the rage these days-only do what is required of you, no above and beyond work.
    However, this is only what I would do from my perspective. Whatever decision you make is the right decision for you.
    That said, there is some reasoning behind my choices.

    1-Wage theft is wage theft. The organization will (likely, based on what you’ve said) never pay you out without legal recourse. Being that it was in 2021, I also wonder if it’s more serious due to taxes and all that jazz.

    2-The hiring budget, on average, is greater than the retention budget at organizations. Meaning, you will not get an internal promotion or raise at the level you’re (likely) worth at this organization. Sure, they could give you a raise of 10k and a title bump but a raise in 4 years? Blasphemy. Many companies play on the idea that people are loyal, like in the 1900s. However, they’ve taken away the benefits for loyalty (eg pension etc). Therefore, loyalty is no longer rewarded but change is hard for the human psychologically and physiologically -that’s what organizations are utilizing to their advantage and they know it.

    3- The hiring market is crazy right now, organizations are finding it hard to retain people AND hire them. Many believe it’s a retention problem when it’s an organizational and environmental issue. That said, your organization and your boss’ opinion of your work and worth will not change. Find a place where you will be valued.

    Good luck! Feel free to reach out directly if you want to chat further. You got this!

43. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEAugust 12,2022 at 3:27PM UTC

    You may want to read "Snakes in Suits" by Paul Babiak, Ph.D.
    & Robert D. Hare, Ph.D. Dr. Hare deveoped the checklist for psychopaths.

    It is an excellent book but painful to read. It is painful to realize that you have been "played" and I have. What I viewed as teamwork was viewed as something else by the psychopaths I have worked with. Not all psychopaths are murderers -- many of them live and thrive in the business world.

    If your manager's boss was honest and had a conscience, he would not be changing your approved timesheets.

    Protect yourself and stop working the overtime.

44. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPAugust 12,2022 at 3:29PM UTC

    No one should work for free. You earned the $ so you deserve to get paid. First and foremost.

    Before you take any action, try to obtain timesheets as proof. Log all conversations you've had with your boss about any 'alterations' on their part.

    Talk to your HR dept so they are aware. Their job is to make sure the company is in compliance.

    Talk to a labor attorney and they should be able to assist you in obtaining past due wages plus a hefty fine as there is 'interest' for not paying on time.

    Before you do all this, be aware that the environment at work may/will change drastically and you may retaliation. Be prepared.... possibly even for a new job.

45. AnonymousAugust 13,2022 at 1:57AM UTC

    DO NOT contact. HR should be impartial but difficult to do when you bite the hand that feeds you.

    I would be like a duck....appearing calm on the water, but peddling like heck below the surface.

    1. Do not contact HR
    2. Look for a labor law attorney who does 1 free consult. If they charge for a consult, move on and find one that does.
    3. 
       
46. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 4:13PM UTC

    Get HR involved; what he has done will get the company in serious trouble regarding wages, especially if you are hourly. Your manager has basically lied about your time and you have a legal recourse for that right now. Let HR know. If they have not been involved, then your case will have little merit.

    I would find my next opportunity, then sue them for your back pay, if they refuse to pay you.

    This is a prime example of how organizations undervalue their current employees. Do not dare accept a counter-offer, once you decide you need to leave this toxic situation.

    If they can not be professional, then show them how it is done.

47. AnonymousAugust 13,2022 at 1:18AM UTC

    I wouldn't get HR involved because they look out for the company, not the employee. Get an attorney!

48. AnonymousAugust 14,2022 at 7:45PM UTC

    In Court, the first thing a judge would ask is if any effort was made to resolve this wage issue directly. The Judge will then allow your employer to pay you and dismiss the case wo damages. You will have wasted your time and money by filing the case, and given yourself a reputation for suing your employer.

    If you decide to take Legal action, you want punitive damages as well.

49. Communication CoachAugust 16,2022 at 10:39AM UTC

    It costs nothing to file a complaint with EEOC - when the government gets involved it is rare the company does not pay up! Most employment attorneys want to see the prospective client has filed with EEOC. Employment law is very straight forward

50. Nichelle SpykeAugust 12,2022 at 4:21PM UTC

    Had the OP misrepresented time on her timesheet, she would've been fired for theft and lack of integrity and without hesitation.

    I once worked for a company that had to end up paying us for studying material at home, despite it being our idea. We wanted to ensure our success, so some of us opted to review what we were learning in training at home. I'm not sure if someone mentioned it or how it came to "light" but we were told to provide an estimate for the time spent at home studying and that they had to pay us for it. The company didn't want to be sued.

    That was 2004 and since then, I make it a point to tell my employees to update their timesheet if I'm having them do tasks during hours they're not scheduled to work such as attending an all hand's meeting or a training outside of their shifts.

    Please advocate for yourself and we wish you the best!

51. Shelby CAugust 12,2022 at 4:55PM UTC

    1) Find the copies of those timesheets.

    2) Hire an attorney on contingency.

    3) Start looking for another job because they do not value you.

    4) Contact the DOL and state and turn them in.

    5) Go on to another job and live a happier life.

52. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 5:47PM UTC

    FInd an attorney, find another job. It is illegal for someone to change your time sheet so you can also call labor in your state. Go after them with no mercy. And DO NOT give them a heads up. Stealth is the way to go

53. JudikingAugust 12,2022 at 7:02PM UTC

    I see a wage and hour investigation coming their way. Expensive, time consuming and with possible legal consequences. Was your supervisor so stupid he didn't know that was illegal?? Time for them to learn a lesson.

54. Jennifer AndersonAugust 12,2022 at 10:27PM UTC

    contact your respective state DOL stat! Changing an employee's time sheet is illegal. OT theft occurred at my last employer -I retired in Sept 2021 to pursue my own business. my state's Dept of Labor was verrrrry interested in both this and the reallocation of what was termed PTO into revenue columns during the COVID shutdown. Forensic audits revealed these were the tip of the iceberg in terms of financial shenanigans. I concur with the commenter who recommended skipping ahead of HR - regrettably at my former employer, they were in the know on the time sheet revisionists and did not act.

55. AnonymousAugust 13,2022 at 12:18AM UTC

    Skip HR. This isn’t a company you should waste anymore time. What they are doing is ILLEGAL. Contact your states department of labor and an employment law attorney and file a claim. They also won’t be able to fire you for it as that is retaliation and also illegal. But while this is processing and moving through the courts start looking for a new job with a company that will value you and one that has integrity.

56. AnonymousAugust 13,2022 at 12:34AM UTC

    See an employment lawyer.
    First consult should be free.

    Your company is violating the labor laws by altering your timesheet. You are owed your unpaid wages.

    You also might be experiencing gender discrimination, which potentially entitles you to compensatory (what you should have been paid and weren’t) and punitive damages (an additional amount to punish your employment for illegal conduct.)

    NOTE: The usual outcome, if you are successful in taking legal action, is a financial settlement (your lawyer would take up to 40%) subject to a non-disclosure agreement, after which you’d have to find a new job. I very much doubt that your company can be forced to give you the job you desire, and even if they did, they’d still be resentful of you.

    That said, your employer is breaking the law and mistreating you. I agree with those who say that you need a new job and that your should feel no remorse in holding your company to account.

57. Tammy HagerAugust 13,2022 at 1:50AM UTC

    Contact the Dept of Labor in your city and hire an attorney...if you are hourly employee changing a time card after you submitted it is fraud and illegal!
    NO QUESTION they are definitely breaking the law. I hope you have been keeping good documentation of your true hours. Many corporations have been sued for not paying overtime to employees thst have claimed it. They are cheating YOU out of time you should be paid for and taking advantage of your personal time!

    l hope you will contact an attorney now to get the money owed to you!

58. Tammy HagerAugust 13,2022 at 8:37PM UTC

    That's awesome any employer with any integrity at all has to do the right thing when it comes to someone being underpaid good for you

59. Focused721350August 14,2022 at 10:10PM UTC

    Oh that's great news! God bless you and I wish you all the best on your next adventure....

    Ms.T ;)

60. Nichelle SpykeAugust 16,2022 at 6:21PM UTC

    Hercules, Hercules!! So happy for you and thanks for updating us!

61. AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 7:29PM UTC

    Wow. That’s almost unheard of lol. Glad you are going to be compensated for that extra overtime!

62. AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 4:47PM UTC

    The CEO is very smart to be forward and acknowledge his employees were shorted and pay out what is owed. Taking such an action, rather than disputing it or ignoring the issue, resolves the problem without the government getting involved. Not doing so would risk having to pay employees double what they are owed as well as penalties.