Call Centre's Not Paying For Time Spent Booting Up A their Pc's before start of shift.

[african_igbo]

I used to work for Conduit Ltd (118 Ltd ) (3 months stop gap thank god) as a Call Centre Agent I had to arrive at work 20-25 minutes before my scheduled hours to boot up Conduit's Windows 2000 PCs and load their applications.

 

I had to be ready and have their applications booted and loaded before I official start my shift and log into Telephone/Turret which is to Conduit's benefit not mine as I was a lowly, minimum paid agent to take calls as soon as the shift commenced BUT it took 20 mins to boot up thats if it booted at all?.

 

I eventually mutally left Conduit and got a excellent real job in what I was skilled and trained for.

I have been researching "Working Hours Act 1998" and looking at various links from the USA.

 

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20081120/0250062895.shtml .

 

Please can someone advise me as If I exclude 3 weeks of training for the 3 months I worked there I have on average worked 20 minutes for non reward to start old slow pc's for Conduit benefit then start a 10.5 hour shift which in fact nearly 11 hours.

 

I want to sue Conduit for not paying me for the time I sit waiting for their computers to boot up

 

Regards

 

African

[Helen2264]

I used to work for Conduit Ltd (118 Ltd ) (3 months stop gap thank god) as a Call Centre Agent I had to arrive at work 20-25 minutes before my scheduled hours to boot up Conduit's Windows 2000 PCs and load their applications.

 

I had to be ready and have their applications booted and loaded before I official start my shift and log into Telephone/Turret which is to Conduit's benefit not mine as I was a lowly, minimum paid agent to take calls as soon as the shift commenced BUT it took 20 mins to boot up thats if it booted at all?.

 

I eventually mutally left Conduit and got a excellent real job in what I was skilled and trained for.

I have been researching "Working Hours Act 1998" and looking at various links from the USA.

 

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20081120/0250062895.shtml .

 

Please can someone advise me as If I exclude 3 weeks of training for the 3 months I worked there I have on average worked 20 minutes for non reward to start old slow pc's for Conduit benefit then start a 10.5 hour shift which in fact nearly 11 hours.

 

I want to sue Conduit for not paying me for the time I sit waiting for their computers to boot up

 

Regards

 

African

 

I think you best move your post somewhere else so you get better answer this forum is for benefits only.

[maroondevo52]

Thread moved to employment forum.

[african_igbo]

Thank to the person who has move the thread to the correct Forum.

 

As per my thread "Call Centre's Not Paying For Time Spent Booting Up A their Pc's before start of shift." Has anyone got url/links to research this further as I have been montitoring the Amercian links up to know.

 

PS. I am unable to install CAG add-on on Firefox my default browser "CAG toolbar 0.8 could not be installed because it is not compatible with Firefox 3.6.8."

 

Please advise.

 

Regards

 

African

Edited September 6, 2010 by african_igbo

[wheelergeezer]

If you are required to be at work to do anything at all in connection with work, then you should be paid. When I was an apprentice plumber 30+ years ago, I got to work about 10 minutes early to have a cuppa and put on my overalls etc, but others arrived on time and did the same. I didn't get paid either but that was my choice. Most people do what I did. But if you are TOLD to come in at 8:40am for a 9am start so you have time to prepare their computer, that is paid work and you should be paid IMHO.

[african_igbo]

I ofc agree, but I can't believe that noone else who has worked in the "Call Centre Domain" hasn't put a claim in, or takeen their case to court.

 

This is why I am hoping for heads up from ANYONE whos has made a similiar claim before I pursue what I believe is an injustice and tbfh Employer taking the michael "You get paid from 9am BUT you have to come in to start our (Conduit) Pc's which take approx 10-20mins depending if after you boot it worls at all, Thank you and have a nice shift."

 

Please include any Court Cases, URL/Links or your experience and conclusions if possible.

 

I am sending a letter under Data Protection Act to get all the data they hold on me?.

 

Regards

 

African

[seftonview]

Hi IGBO,

 

A couple of questions so I can try and assist.

 

1. What was your hourly wage?

2. When did your employment (i) start; (ii) end?

3. What evidence do you have that you were formally instructed to attend 20 minutes early?

 

SV

[african_igbo]

Hi IGBO,

 

A couple of questions so I can try and assist.

 

1. What was your hourly wage? Again does not matter as this can distinguish if I am Agent or Team Leader.

2. When did your employment (i) start; (ii) end? Don't see the need to ask this as I know and will present to the Courts when time arise

3. What evidence do you have that you were formally instructed to attend 20 minutes early? I was instructed by Conduit trainers and I have former employee's who will verify this is the norm and PS... It's a Computer Environ so I logged into the pc's prior to logging into the phone turrets.. But nevertheless I know and people who who work in the Call Centre Industry know?...

 

 

 

So as I am researching would like the information, I have previously posted not ADD any more personal evidence for Conduit UK Ltd who I guess are monitoring such Forums.. which I know they do because the trainers AGAIN confirmed they do...

 

Just an added point the "Call Centre Environment" from my point of view works very much like the Slave Industry. The Agent does not have many cards to play with and it is desgined that way for a purspose I hope that this thread highlights what is going on and I believe people are being taken advantage of.

[wheelergeezer]

All respect I had for you just went straight down the toilet. I have lived in Africa where people are lucky to have food at the end of the day. You had a paid job in the UK, so do not confuse that with 'slave' culture.

[Sidewinder]

Slave Culture is probably a little bit strong a term to use, but nevertheless the OP does have a point.

 

African_igbo - What you had was a contract. This required you to be at work at a specific time. Although it is not unreasonable to expect an employee to be at work in sufficient time to be READY to start work at the contracted time, it would be unreasonable if this adds up to a significant amount of unpaid overtime.

 

The best course of action would have been to raise a Grievance with the management stating that you think it wrong that you are having to work many hours over and above your contracted hours due to problems with the speed of the computer. The management would then be obliged to answer your concerns and meet to discuss the problem. It is a question that has come up before, and there is no easy answer. Either you are prepared to accept that your job requires working longer hours, or you choose to leave, but the point that wheelergeezer was making is that if you are paid minimum wage, and the employer expects you to work extra hours unpaid, then this effectively means that you are working for less than minimum wage, and could report the employer to the authorities.

 

You are probably too late to do much about it now, particularly if you accepted the extra hours without complaint, however the point about the minimum wage is still valid, and they could be reported if that were the case.

[african_igbo]

I dont really care about your thoughts regarding my personal view and interpretation of the "Slave Trade".

 

I dont want to get into debate about my opinion, but I do understand and read history and the slave trade is not just an African incident/disease.

 

The Slave Trade has occurred for many a century and many a continent, you do realise since "Adam and Eve" there has been slaves, Also American colonies were Whites slaves and they were America's first slaves prior to Africans arrived, So please spare me your ideals...

 

And yes I believe the Culture of "Call Centre's" is appalling and slave like? in this day of age. If you don't like this thread don't read or respond.

 

Have a nice day?.

 

Dalu

[papasmurf1cx]

What are you going to do when you have the information and links you are seeking? As you are no longer an employee of this company and it has been pointed out that legally you will be unlikely to be able to do anything even a grievance is likely to end up in a bin somewhere. What is your goal?

[seftonview]

Hi IGBO,

 

A couple of questions so I can try and assist.

 

1. What was your hourly wage? Again does not matter as this can distinguish if I am Agent or Team Leader.

It does make a difference, but for the reasons I give below I won't go into why it makes a difference.

 

2. When did your employment (i) start; (ii) end? Don't see the need to ask this as I know and will present to the Courts when time arise

There was cause to ask this, but for the reasons I give below I won't explain why.

3. What evidence do you have that you were formally instructed to attend 20 minutes early? I was instructed by Conduit trainers and I have former employee's who will verify this is the norm and PS... It's a Computer Environ so I logged into the pc's prior to logging into the phone turrets.. But nevertheless I know and people who who work in the Call Centre Industry know?...

 

 

 

So as I am researching would like the information, I have previously posted not ADD any more personal evidence for Conduit UK Ltd who I guess are monitoring such Forums.. which I know they do because the trainers AGAIN confirmed they do...

 

You appear to have an arrogant attitude, and I'm not going to waste my valuable time trying to help you.

 

SV

[african_igbo]

Uhhh what the hell are you on about "arrogant".

 

I asked questions for answers not the other way round?.

 

So basically you are asking 3 questions which I believe DO not warrant a reply (The informtion to a Conduit Represntative would not be hard to see what ex employee is seeking guidance" as It does not matter what I was on as it was an hourly rate NOT salary period. I have worked "un-paid" whether is was £5.25 and hour, £6.25 or £7.25 an hour sorry for latter, way to much for an Agent to be earning after a 40hr + shift I do apologise.

 

Regarding time spent and when I left agian does not matter. There is either a yes or a no and I again will mention that the Slave Trade is not copy righted YOU do not no know me as I dont know you and a high probability not on my Face book or Linkedin either thank god please can YOU move on...

 

If you do not no the answer no problem, there will be others that will..

 

Like I said is there any people out there who have been working in this culture where Call Centres instruct you to start their pc's (cold boot) to get them ready for you to actually commence your shift then you have to log into the turret/phone to start work and then get paid...

 

Is this an injustice and an abuse of power, I am now working in my desired field and I am happy as larry BUT I am thinking of all those who I worked with and those that have since left who I am still touch with funny how they don't seam to share "seftonview" thoughts..

 

 

Edited September 7, 2010 by african_igbo

[papasmurf1cx]

Any chance you could answer my query?

[honeybee13]

Hi guys. I don't think I'm the only one who is confused about african igbo's line of thought here. I don't think I like where this is going and I don't help out here to be bossed around. I rarely refuse help, as other caggers may have seen, but I don't get the inquisitorial style.

 

african igbo, what do you actually want from CAG please? If you're on a crusade about slavery, I'm not sure this is the place to start it.

 

HB

[african_igbo]

Hi I am currently looking into how Call Centre's in particularly Conduit can instruct, advise or coerse the staff to turn up to work earllier and on average 10 to 20 minutes to walk into their Building use your swipe card, find a spare bay then seat if you are fortunate and log/start/boot their pc's. Which as many know YOU DO NOT GET PAID for these tasks.

 

I have been reading threads and articles but they are in general lead towards the United States what about the United Kingdom of or fact Euro Zone as a German Police officer won his case which maybe of help..

 

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guardian.co.uk%2Fworld%2F2010%2Fjul%2F14%2Fgerman-police-officer-pay-uniform&ei=ZVOGTLmrOMmD4AaLyZHSBA&usg=AFQjCNGcqP0zuWY4Xpju-W3ZYYJhe8bcaw

 

I am not an expert or have legal background, but trying to exstablish is this fair I will try my best to find out answers as "Many a Call Centre Agent Know" where I am coming from... I did it for 3 months I did challenge people at Conduit (buried their heads syndrome coz Im allright) but it was seen as the norm and with all the "YOU must do this and that or you won't be eligable for a contract as most are on temporary contracts yep many" does not really help you if you say to your Team Leader the following below:

 

Guess what I am staring at 9am boss so please can you ensure Conduit pc's is ready to spring to life when I accept calls,.

 

So I will do my best papasmurf1cx.

 

[african_igbo]

A lot of people work in a Call Centre environment and are instructed to start work alot earlier than when their actual shift starts.

 

Is this against people who are paid a wage.

 

I felt when I was working for Conduit UK. that they where abusing their position.

 

So I am looking to get verification on this as I would like to make a claim for those hours I worked unpaid and hope to bring this issue to the forefront and I would hope this would help others who are in those circumstances to be able to make their claims if this is against any employment laws..

 

If this discussion is not going to go anywhere or people who do know don't want to help then the higher's that be close and stop the thread.

 

I have seen many threads regarding "Bank Charges" which the Original Posters where upset and the content very similar.

 

I asked very sincerly for links or information where I can research the thread and make my own conclusion's if this is grey area.

 

This is not a crusade its a search for the truth on How and Why some Call Centre's can behave and get away with what I see as an injustice if it ok then so be it... At least people who are looking for a low paid/job gap position understand what they can expect.

 

Regards

[papasmurf1cx]

Hi I am not sure I can help you African_igbo............. When I was at work and I am sure this applies to many people, you turned up ready to work and if you ahd some preparation to do eg don specialised clothing or have equipment ready then you did it. What you describe above seems a reasonable prelude for any worker to do prior to actually starting their work.

 

I fear you have a 'thing' about this company and want to get even for some reason. I am sure we all could help if your final goal was clear which it is not at present.

[sequenci]

Uhhh what the hell are you on about "arrogant".

 

I asked questions for answers not the other way round?.

 

[/b]

 

Sometimes to get the answers you are looking for there may be further questions that you'll need to answer. Apologies if this annoys you, and if it does then perhaps CAG isn't going to be the best place for you to find your answers.

 

I'm no expert but my other half is very hot on HR issues so I'll ask her this evening for you.

 

My gut feeling is that a 'reasonable' period of time would be allowed for switching on machines would be deemed as acceptable. Whether or not 20 minutes is reasonable is a totally different story. I'll get you a definitive answer later on.

 

Best wishes,

 

Seq.

[african_igbo]

Thanks for your reply.

 

Yes I am bitter as I am a professional in my chossen field and I was a casuality of the recession so had to take a low paid job at Conduit while trying to keep a roof over my family's head and the wolves from the door and keep up my studying which I glad I did.

 

As the regime makes it very hard to look for alternative jobs or do evening college courses to better yourself so I am glad to get out of that environment.

 

The reason I am bitter and maybe a bit twistted is that for a low paid job had to run through hoops and hurdle, sometimes hop skip and jump all at the same time "honestly", in order to get to work ontime and time being, in order to loging and start the mundane process of booting their pc's in order to have them ready to login into turret/phone and having to start 10-20 minutes and many a time past my shift I feel was unreasonable expectation.

 

Regards

 

 

 

I take your comments and put this to bed.

[sequenci]

I spoke to my other half. She confirmed my thoughts in that a company would expect you to arrive early to set up the computer etc. However, she thought that 20 minutes is an unreasonable amount of time and you could succeed if you raised it as an argument. You would need evidence that it takes 20 minutes, however. My work machine takes about ten minutes sometimes so I know it's plausible!

 

Best wishes,

 

Seq

[honeybee13]

Hello Seq. As you're here, so to speak, please would you mind explaining the purpose of the posts as above about using google to search the web [wish I'd thought of that!]. There aren't any links below as stated in any case. I've seen you replying to the Benefits forum, which also has these posts arriving on most threads.

 

Forgive me for being a technophobe, but I don't get it. Can you help me please?

 

HB

[sequenci]

Hello Seq. As you're here, so to speak, please would you mind explaining the purpose of the posts as above about using google to search the web [wish I'd thought of that!]. There aren't any links below as stated in any case. I've seen you replying to the Benefits forum, which also has these posts arriving on most threads.

 

Forgive me for being a technophobe, but I don't get it. Can you help me please?

 

HB

 

I'm really sorry, I'm not sure I know what you mean!? I'm a little slow sometimes. Can you elabourate for me?

 

Thanks!

[honeybee13]

Hello Seq, sorry if I was obscure. At 17.59 yesterday on this thread, something was posted about searching the web with google. The links have appeared now [they weren't there just now], but I just wondered why it's popping up on practically every thread I read. Being thick and a technophobe, I don't really understand why it's there. Any illumination would be appreciated by me for sure, and maybe by others.

 

My best, HB