Submitted by brandwich1 t3_ztb8o2 in personalfinance
I've worked at this company part time for the last 5+ years. Recently I noticed that my paychecks were usually between 30 minutes to an hour short of the actual hours that I worked. I don't have copies of the times I clocked in and out, but I used my google maps location history which told me the exact times I arrived and left work.
I've checked about 6 of my recent paychecks and this was true for all of them.
It only results in a loss of about $10-$15 each paycheck. But assuming that this has happened for the past 5 years, the total is probably in the range of $600-$900 that I've lost because of this.
I want to talk to my boss about it, but I want to be prepared beforehand.
What's my best course of action?
Edit: Wow I did not expect this many replies.
To answer a few common questions:
I usually work 5-6 hours each shift and don’t take a lunch. When I do take one, it’s unpaid. I take one paid break each shift.
I know that google maps data isn’t the best evidence, but I typically walk straight into work after I arrive and leave right after I clock out. I don’t park far so maybe the times are off by a few minutes each time. I only work 3 times a week and this does not add up to the time that I am missing each paycheck.
I’m not sure if they are rounding or not, but I read up on it and my understanding is they are supposed to round in a way that is neutral (+/- $0 average loss) or in a way that benefits me. Since there is a consistent loss of hours, if they are rounding they are only rounding down and not up.
I’m usually scheduled from 9 to 2, but I typically leave anywhere from 2-3 so my hours worked are usually more than what I am scheduled.
I am employed in California.
Edit 2: Some people are mentioning that I should only get paid from 9-2 if that’s what I’m scheduled. It is encouraged for people to stay late at my company and many times I have no choice. It is understood that you will get paid for your time if you stay late. So this would not be the reason for the missing hours.
Edit 3: I clock in immediately after arriving at work. It maybe takes me 2 minutes to walk to and from my car. After I clock out, I usually leave right away as well. If I take a lunch, I have to clock in and out for that also.
Regardless, I know that google maps isn’t sufficient evidence and I will manually track my times with pictures for the next month or so and make sure of it before I say anything to management.
I definitely did not expect this many replies but I appreciate all the information and advice.