A co-worker has asked me to cover a weekend shift so they can attend an event.

Anonymous

September 4,2022 at 3:43PM UTC

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A co-worker has asked me to cover a weekend shift so they can attend an event. I have no qualms about covering but that puts me into overtime which needs to be approved. I have not seen the approval and this coworker (who i am helping) is saying its fine. I don't think its fine and now I am being difficult because I said yes and not seems like I don't want to cover the shift. I really am at a loss how to document " hey its your responsibility to get this approved". Help

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Tanika (Nika) Vasquez - (she/her)September 4,2022 at 4:09PM UTC
I would let your co-worker know that you would love to cover their shift but you need them to obtain manager approval first. If they don't obtain the approval then I wouldn't work the shift. You don't want to work unauthorized overtime and put yourself in a bad place with management. If they really want to attend the event they will do what's necessary.
KatSeptember 4,2022 at 4:26PM UTC
Can you email your boss and cc your co-worker about authorizing the overtime to cover this shift? If you don't have that option, then she has to handle it. Make sure you get it in writing that you're getting the OT before working the shift. I've seen it happen plenty of times where promised overtime isn't paid out. A verbal commitment from the manager helps. But having it written down is better in case your check doesn't reflect the promised OT.
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 6:11PM UTC
That's concerning. Assuming you are in the US, if someone works then they legally have to be paid whether it was approved or not. They might be disciplined for working unapproved overtime but it is still a legal requirement that they be paid and at the rate required by law. Unpaid wages = huge lawsuit and fines from the state. If I were those workers I would reach out to whichever state agency handles that stuff.
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 6:08PM UTC
I would follow up with whoever has to approve the overtime and make sure it's set. If it's not then you can't work. End of story. You can't work hours that your company hasn't approved. If you try to follow up and don't get an answer then just tell the co-worker that you tried to follow up and, until they approve it, she should assume that she needs to work and you won't be able to. Just leave it at that. It's a bit inconvenient on your end not knowing if you are working or not but she should assume you are not able to cover for her unless you get that approval. If she's in denial about that fact just lay it out for her. Tell her flat out that you're not covering the shift until you hear otherwise from whoever approves overtime. Your part will be done and it's on her to make things happen.
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 6:09PM UTC
Just talk to your boss. He/she should be able to let you know right away whether they are willing to approve it. Before you say yes the next time someone is looking for coverage always CYA and check with your boss 1st. Even if your boss says no, you have nothing to feel guilty about, if your colleague was smart, she should have raised this with your boss first to ensure all bases are covered, especially since she is asking YOU for the favor. If your boss says no why the hell should you work for free. It is NOT your problem.
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 7:51PM UTC
Explain that you'll need approval to cover the shift. What is so hard about that?
AnonymousSeptember 4,2022 at 8:04PM UTC
Exactly. If she's wanting the backup you agreed to (pending the approval) so she can go to the event -- then she will. That's on her. You said "yes, as long as...." So she needs to do HER part.
Sharon GrehanSeptember 5,2022 at 2:28AM UTC
Have you tried speaking with your manager directly?
Erica MitchellSeptember 5,2022 at 12:43PM UTC
I would go directly to your boss about the approval since it seems your co-worker has not done so. This will make sure you don't get put in the hot seat regarding the overtime.
Liz MilneSeptember 12,2022 at 11:35PM UTC
If it's you who'll get into trouble, you get the clearance from your boss. When we did shift swaps with people earning more than us, it had to be authorised at managerial level, whereas one-to-one swaps were fine, because it wouldn't blow the salary budget...