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I had a situation where the manager who approved my invoices to told me that
I could not work overtime. It was 40 hours and no more. Then a major
customer came into the picture and the owner of the company told all the
managers to "get it done. Whatever it takes." Some of the software
developers literally did not go home that week. I worked past 40 hours that
week myself and added the extra time to my next invoice (expecting a
confrontation). However, my invoice was approved, no questions asked. That
set policy right there. If the owner wants something done, he'll authorize
the overtime. Just to be on the safe side, whenever I had to work overtime
for this client, I made sure to include on the invoice the reason why I had
to work the extra time.
Your mileage may vary,
Will
=========================================
Will Husa
Technical Writer
Procedure Writing and Online Help
Phone: 708-927-3569
Fax: 630-668-9283
Website: www.4techwriter.com
> Jay Maechtlen wrote:
>>
>>
> Well, I thought I wrote it, anyway.
> Sorry about the previous messages - it seems that various stuff was
> hiding in HTML format- I took it into Notepad, and reduced it to text.
>
> This may be of interest to those in the US who work unpaid overtime.
>
>
> It was written:
>
> "... I informed my manager that I will not work 80 hours a week as
> a rule. They'll get the usual crazy OT out of me at milestones and
> deadlines, but I will no longer give my company two writers for the
> cost of one. That may sound horrible to you, but I spent a decade
> working nutty hours, and all I got was sickness, no social life, and
> less money per hour. ;-) How will upper management ever feel the
> pain if we writers continue to perform miracles? My boss not only
> agrees with me, he was horrified to think I'd consider anything
> else. I hope your manager is as understanding."
>
>
>
> Recently we had a talk at our local STC chapter regarding work rules,
> hours, etc.<br>
> It develops that we techwriters are entitled to overtime compensation
> in nearly all cases.
> Unless the writer is also the boss, overtime rules apply.
> At least, that's the case in California.
> I believe it applies nationwide. If your company compensates properly,
> you writers should be making a bucket of money!
> Overtime compensation is not just a nice idea, it is the law.
>
> --
> Jay Maechtlen
> 626 444-5112 office
> 626 840-8875 cell
> www.techpubs.com
>
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printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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