Asklemmy

I would rephrase it to:

Hey ,

recently I have received orders to do <order 16:30> order16:45 which would have caused overtime. I thought about how I can smooth the assignment process in the future and here is a list of times that I need to finish orders:

• <How long it takes to perform an order (described as accurately as possible)> If you feel like I am taking longer than I should please speak with to verify that my timings are accurate. Also, keep in mind that sometimes unforeseen circumstances e.g. can delay my work.

Please let me know whether you need any additional information.

Best

This leaves enough open that you did not give reason for conflict imho and if she goes ballistic, answer politely but CC another manager or her manager stating that you are unsure how to respond given that your times were accurate and that you are working towards a solution.

IMO, talk to your manager's manager about this.

A lot depends on where you are. Here in the UK (and most of Europe) there are very strong precedents about preparation time, including "pre-work meetings", putting on PPE, tidying up, putting away. It's all work. Unless you agree to do more (and are subsequently paid for that time, or exchange for time off in lieu), you don't have to be on site before or after your contracted hours.

If you're in the USA, I have no idea, other than you guys seem to have little protection.

At a non-legal, human perspective - she likely knows she's giving your contradictory orders. That sounds like someone trying to make your life difficult and hoping you'll quit. I'd talk to her manager if you can, or the boss if that's feasible.

Years ago I was working second shift, 4pm - 1230am. My manager had a 2 hour commute and had to wake up at 7am to get his kid to school. He had to be last out by policy and did not want to stay late.

His policy was all your work was to be done by midnight. 12 to 1215 was to clean and organize your station. 1215-1230 was to degown(esd safe/clean room assembly space), get your stuff(lunch boxes, coats etc), use the bathroom, warm up your car and wait for 1230. He was out the door with the alarm set by 1235. If you were still in the building have fun talking to the police.

He would check and if you were still working at 1205 would come by and ask why you're not done yet. It worked out extremely well.

Take that shit above her head. Tell her boss that unpaid overtime is theft and you may have to take action outside the company if it continues. Be reasonable, offer solutions like: I can make you a list of my daily taks and how long they take so you dont over-budget time. But dont continue to engage your direct report, she is trying to show you your place and its time to show her's

You wrote it down (what I want to tell her...). Copy-paste into an email. Or first in Copilot "make this sound as constructive as possible". See below. By mail, you avoid emotional or other reactions. Also finish with a question to get a written answer. If she replies verbally, you can make an email of that, to make sure you understand well what was said.

I wanted to bring something to your attention regarding task timing at the end of my shift. My shift ends at 17:00, and I need about 15 minutes to bring the forklift back to the garage. When new assignments come in at 16:45, it becomes impossible to complete them without working overtime.

I understand and respect that you prefer not to authorize extra hours — that’s perfectly fine for me — but in that case, it would help if my last assignment can be finished no later than 16:45. Otherwise, I will inevitably need to log overtime to finish the tasks safely and properly.

I’m mentioning this so we can align expectations and avoid misunderstandings in the future. Can we agree on how we handle those end-of-day tasks so everything stays within expectations? Thank you for your understanding.

edit : the formatting doesn't seem to work. removed it.