I'm a long time lurker/commenter on this sub. Often I read others experience because it makes me feel like I'm not alone in the world. The reason I want to share is simply to vent about my current job and ask for opinions.
I do not work in a particular position but I do many things from landscaping, plumbing, electrical, digging ditches, operating a forklift, driving trailers for hauling, installing industrial compressors as well as commercial. I'm responsible for washing the trucks, cleaning shop, mowing grass at times, making deliveries, picking up parts, changing tires, doing preventative maintenance, sanding and also writing my time down and what I've done during the day. (Just to add, if I lose any tool or wreck their vehicle I am financially responsible.)
My pay is 16.50$/hr. The insurance is great, I can not take time off for a Dr. Appointment unless it's a week out every time, unless ofcourse it's an emergency. I must have a Dr. Note every sick day that I take or time I go to the Dr. There can not be any call outs for any other reason. My schedule is never set and I don't know what I'll be doing on any given day. That leaves me with no wiggle room for plans after work. As an additive, I do not get breaks and only when I work in the shop do I get a 1 hour lunch. 30 minutes if I'm in the field unless I'm other wise rushed to get a job done. But, to the point…
My boss expects me write down every job number that I work on. Not a big deal right..? Except for the fact we are not allowed to write our time down while on the clock. Often that means that I stay somewhere between 20-30 minutes late after work is over. I'm not paid to do it. Today my boss told me me to come in earlier for work just to write job numbers down From which I am also not paid to do.
I've worked 11 hours every day this week, stayed to wash the owners truck after returning from a field job (usually when you get back you just do what needs to be done and go home.)
Essentially I'm only here because I'm learning a trade and being paid for it. It's not a trade that comes with the title of apprentice, journeyman, or master. That and of course in the USA I'm required to have a job whether it's good or not for the health insurance. Often I'm spoken to as as if I'm a child. They make demands and don't ask. There's no training except through the people who you directly work with. (Sorry if I'm getting off track. There's a lot to lay out.) Would I be right to ask if I'm paid to be there early to do what they're asking of me? I'm worried they will retaliate and I'll lose my health insurance. They're generally not reasonable and blow a fuse if they (management) don't have it their way.
Tldr: Expected to come in early to write job numbers while doing many things not typically done within a job. Already stay 20-30 minutes late without pay. Need health insurance for personal reasons. Worried about retaliation if I ask to be paid for coming in early, when I'm not paid to stay late.
Edit: Comprehension and readability