I work for a state agency and we have been told that 3 missed clockins/outs will count as a day off. Is this legal? Certainly its not appropiate for a state employer I think. And can certainly contracted shift employees be singled out for a separate set of guidelines for requesting time off and using it. Yea,I know I signed a weekend only position, but can a state employer have different rules for different employees?
Thanks

The employer can certainly have different rules for different groups of employees.

I'm confused, though, are you saying that if you clock in late 3 times, you don't get paid for the day? Or are they docking your vacation/PTO by one day? Or are you suspended without pay for one day? :confused:

If you have three missed clock in/outs they will count that as one of your requested days off. So a manager can then deny your request off for a certain day later on because you have already used your time allowed, because you didn't clock in/out without ever using any time off. I they are likely within their legal bounds, but UNC Hospitals as a state agency treating nurses (read labor shortage) should be treating their most important asset a little more professionally. When it comes right down to it, the management is trying to eliminate the weekend option pay plans by creating these rules for people who are only on the weekend plans. I say if they want to get rid of them then just do so and not mess around with the issue and make rules that they can claim you broke and terminate your contract. And they claim that nursing is a profession, well then treat nurses as if they have a brain. Steps off soapbox. Sru for rant.:)

If you have three missed clock in/outs they will count that as one of your requested days off. So a manager can then deny your request off for a certain day later on because you have already used your time allowed, because you didn't clock in/out without ever using any time off. I they are likely within their legal bounds, but UNC Hospitals as a state agency treating nurses (read labor shortage) should be treating their most important asset a little more professionally. When it comes right down to it, the management is trying to eliminate the weekend option pay plans by creating these rules for people who are only on the weekend plans. I say if they want to get rid of them then just do so and not mess around with the issue and make rules that they can claim you broke and terminate your contract. And they claim that nursing is a profession, well then treat nurses as if they have a brain. Steps off soapbox. Sru for rant.:)

Are you in a nurses union? What does your union rep say about this? I think, but do not know, that a policy like the one you explained, sounds like one that would be made for everyone, just to keep those from forgetting to clock in and out?

Ok. As I understand it, you face discipline by reduction of available PTO when you miss 3+ timeclock punches.

North Carolina follows suit with Federal guidelines. Bluntly there are no requirements that employers must offer vacation, sick or PTO to employees. The only caveat that NCDOL adds is that the written policy must state how vacation etal. is earned and the protocol for requesting time off. Does the written policy contain a provision for reductions for improper timeclock punches?

http://www.nclabor.com/wh/faqs.pdf

I do believe that there is a written policy about missed punches, but only for certain employees. There is no union in this area for nurse, as the one that was attempted at Duke was voted down and the organizers fired.(indirectly of course).
Sounds that the hospital is within its rights, but I don't feel that the behavior is acceptable for a state agency.(imho)
I can't believe the excellent advice given here. Thanks a ton!

I do believe that there is a written policy about missed punches, but only for certain employees. There is no union in this area for nurse, as the one that was attempted at Duke was voted down and the organizers fired.(indirectly of course).
Sounds that the hospital is within its rights, but I don't feel that the behavior is acceptable for a state agency.(imho)
I can't believe the excellent advice given here. Thanks a ton!

Awww thank you! It is nice to be appreciated, I hope all goes well for you, and you are welcome to come back, if you need any more information in the future. Good luck to you!!