Failed to report Saturday — no holiday pay Monday?

When Instrument Mechanic Doris Hill received her paycheck on Friday, she complained to her boss that holiday pay for Monday wasn't included. Maintenance Supervisor Ben Hadley replied, "Work was scheduled on Saturday; you didn't show up.

By Raymond Dreyfack January 1, 1999

When Instrument Mechanic Doris Hill received her paycheck on Friday, she complained to her boss that holiday pay for Monday wasn’t included.

Maintenance Supervisor Ben Hadley replied, “Work was scheduled on Saturday; you didn’t show up.”

“What’s that got to do with Monday’s holiday pay?”

“Read your contract.” Hadley pulled out the manual. “It says here that to qualify for holiday pay, an employee is required to work the last scheduled day before the holiday.”

“Saturday wasn’t a regularly scheduled day. It was an overtime day.”

“It’s still the last scheduled day before the holiday.”

“That doesn’t make sense.”

“It does so far as management is concerned. Without that stipulation, employees would be tempted to stay out the day before a holiday and make a long weekend of it.”

Hill refused to settle for that explanation and threatened to protest.

Question: How do you rate Hill’s chances for success if she follows through?

Wilson’s verdict: Hadley informed Plant Engineer Brent Wilson of Hill’s threat. Wilson supported Hadley’s stand.

“The situation is spelled out in black and white. The contract is the Bible in this case.”