TLDR: Boss says if we have an issue where we have to be off the phones for 10 minutes we lose our breaks
Howdy! I work for a call center, we have a very high turnover rate and we are consistently short staffed, of course they take it out on us long haulers..
Anyone who has ever worked for a call center knows that you can put yourself into “not ready” status to handle personal issues, including, bathroom breaks, getting a drink, emergencies, personal phone calls, whatever!
So lately, my employer has implemented a new rule, if we take over 10 minutes of “personal time” at any point in the day we “forfeit” our next break.
I have a autoimmune disorder that causes gastro intestinal issues, mainly diarrhea and vomiting. I am currently working with HR to get 1 additional personal time a day.
So, today I come in and was feeling nauseas, I went into personal time at 8:11, immediately after clocking in and then again at 9:05. My boss then text me and said I cannot take a break for the rest of the day. I am here from 8-5.
I told my boss what was going on each time and her response was “Well you should not have come in” I replied, I could not afford to lose my holiday pay (which is only 8 hours of regular pay for yesterday, since we were closed) she said that, that is not her problem and if I am throwing up I need to leave until I am symptom free, with no medication for 24 hours… I HAVE NEVER BEEN SYMPTOM FREE FOR 24 HOURS!!! She knows I have these issues..
My original question is, can they take our regularly scheduled breaks for using personal time????? This feels very much illegal, how can they say I cannot take a break at all today when I'm here for 7 more hours.