Hello, I am trying to gain some perspective as I know this is wrong, but it's not happening to me.
Yesterday, my girlfriend had clocked out and continued to stay at work due to ridesharing with a coworker. However, she stayed 3-4 hours actively working without pay as they are “not allowed” to hit overtime. This has me furious on her behalf.
When I asked why she would put up with that, her response indicated potential consequences, being made fun of, or other undefined “nonsense” that she would have to deal with.
This has followed her at other jobs prior to me meeting her. I know I can't force her hand on the matter, but I can't help but be pissed at her employer exploiting her for free labor. My girlfriend on the other hand is just used to this and it's the norm for her – it's not that she's afraid to take action but she does not see it the same that I do.
Which is where things are tricky. I am so close to filing a complaint to the Wage and Hour Division. I don't want to go behind my girlfriend's back on this. But I'm fucking pissed. She doesn't seem to understand why I feel this way probably because it's “normal” for her. But I want to help her. As a former manager in years' past I KNOW this shit would absolutely not fly and it sure as hell doesn't now.
What would you do? Has anyone had a similar situation? Maybe I just needed to vent. Idk. I just know nobody, let alone my girlfriend, deserves to be treated this way.