What qualifies as tardy in NC, and what disciplinary action is allowable?
Hourly worker, verbally notified that they would be "written up" for their next tardy. Said employee was 2 minutes late. What qualifies as tardy, 2 minutes, 5, is there a "grace" amount for NC?
1 answer | asked May 11, 2011 09:42 AM [EST] in Other | applies to North CarolinaAnswers (1)
I am not aware of any North Carolina law that defines what "tardy" means. This is the kind of thing that each employer defines. The only thing that might impact this question would be the employer's need to make sure that they treat all employees the same when their tardy rule is broken. They cannot treat people differently because of race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex or disability.
If there is a union involved, there may be a definition that applies. In that case, you should check with your union steward to learn what the contract between the union and the employer says.
In my opinion, employers have a right to expect employees to be on the job at the time requested. Workers who come in late can cause disruption, not just by their coming in after everyone else has gotten started, but they set a precedent for others. If one person is allowed to be late, then other workers will think that they can be late. On the other hand, someone with truly extraordinary circumstances, or who is almost never tardy otherwise should usually be given some slack. But the bottom line is that the employer can set the rules on something like this and if the employee does not wish to follow the directions then s/he can work somewhere else.
posted by Reagan Weaver | May 11, 2011 10:26 AM [EST] [ Best Answer - selected by asker ]
If there is a union involved, there may be a definition that applies. In that case, you should check with your union steward to learn what the contract between the union and the employer says.
In my opinion, employers have a right to expect employees to be on the job at the time requested. Workers who come in late can cause disruption, not just by their coming in after everyone else has gotten started, but they set a precedent for others. If one person is allowed to be late, then other workers will think that they can be late. On the other hand, someone with truly extraordinary circumstances, or who is almost never tardy otherwise should usually be given some slack. But the bottom line is that the employer can set the rules on something like this and if the employee does not wish to follow the directions then s/he can work somewhere else.
posted by Reagan Weaver | May 11, 2011 10:26 AM [EST] [ Best Answer - selected by asker ]
