Since taking over a fast food business about 5 weeks ago there have been some employee problems.

The latest is in which an employee, from the moment I took over has been a very lazy worker with many excuses.

It ranges from her calling in last minute to tell me she can't work as well as leaving early because she has a "headache" or "anxiety attacks". All of which I am 100% are B.S.

The next paycheck is this week and her and I had a dispute in how many hours she worked. She claims to have worked 8 more hours, but I recall the date at which is in question and distinctly remember her calling in last second for "family reasons" and not showing up. Because of that I ended up covering for her and worked a 17 hour day.

On that date her time card is blank as well as the daily positioning planner in which the manager on duty assigns each person their daily job.

What do I do in this position? I am not going to pay her those 8 hours she claims to have worked, but is this legal and what do you suppose she would try to do?

Secondly, this golden employee comes in today and quits on me. I fear she may apply for workers compensation. How can I protect myself?

thanks.


-Peter

If you have evidence she didn't work, don't pay her. Document your recollections now. The worst that can happen is that she files a claim with the DLSE for those hours and your extemporaneous notes will help your case.

Why do you think she's going to file a work comp claim? For what injury?

this golden employee comes in today and quits on me.

Be happy she is gone.

I would not worry about the WC claim until it happens. Then turn it over to your carrier to handle. I could say more, but it would be premature. Feel free to PM me IF the employee files and IF the carrier is not representing you well (i.e., they offer anything in the way of benefits).

Do you by any chance mean unemployment compensation instead of workers comp? Unemployment is when an employee loses their job; workers comp is when an employee is injured on the job. You wouldn't be the first poster here to use the wrong term.