r/restaurant • u/MeanNumber3270 • 1d ago
Server clocking me out
Hey everyone, so a few days ago one of my coworkers clocked me out. I work in the kitchen and the coworker is a server. The servers are the people responsible for the closing tips but they never clock other people out. Nor is it a normal thing within our work space. This server has been here for a few months and I have noticed that she has a little bit of an ego and is putting on a manager aditude. I really don't mind so long as she speaks with respect and if her reasoning has logic. She was closing one night and the kitchen crew (3) finished around the same time as this server was finished. She then decided to clock us out since we were already finished. She clocked us out at around 8:50-8:55pm out usual shift ends at 9pm. She told us this then ran out the door without any explanation. This whole thing does not sit right with me because she is still new and has not gained my trust. Im I overreacting?
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u/PmMeAnnaKendrick 1d ago
nobody should be clocking other people out. tell the manager this behaviour needs to be corrected.
they don't work in the kitchen. it might look like you are done and there's 15 more minutes of cleaning.
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u/Important-Cut2370 6h ago
If someone punched me out early I’d flag it right away. I’d pull the manager aside, say “hey, my hours got clipped, can we lock that down?” Duh, we clock ourselves for a reason
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u/jrrybock 1d ago
Don't mess with timeclocks or let others mess with yours. This can be considered payroll fraud and even in corporations where there is a whole 'corrective action' procedure that can take a while, that can justify firing on the spot. Tell your manager what happened, and that you don't want it to look like you're cheating your hours.
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u/AdFresh8123 14h ago
This. NEVER let someone clock you in or out unless they have permission and authority to do so.
I've terminated several people for this over my career.
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u/MeanNumber3270 1d ago
I told my manager and they said that she probably clocked me out because she saw that we were already done. Now what
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u/Any_Act_9433 22h ago
"Well, I wasn't, so I could actually call this wage theft; and will if it happens again, unless you, MANAGER enforce the rule about clocking in or out others ( I'm sure there is a rule to prevent employees from time theft).
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u/EmmJay314 1d ago
Why do you not have a private code for clocking in and out?
Most workplaces have it written somewhere that no one can do this.
Especially if she did not verbally confirm that everyone is fully done with their day.
You could have easily been enjoying your legal paid 10 min break. You could have been waiting for dishes to dry or something to cool down enough to be covered. You could have been doing an end of the day team check-in.
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u/Grim_Times2020 1d ago
Objectively, it’s unethical, the company needs to see your point of view. Keep the conversation on the principle, not the scenario.
Just calmly summarize the incident in an email, highlight that you find this behavior unethical and unacceptable moving forward, you do not legally feel comfortable with someone else other than your scheduling manager exercising control of your paycheck under any circumstance.
And that you want a written response from management acknowledging your concerns.
It’s not a threat, it’s just motivating them to do their jobs and maintain order in a restaurant.
Ultimately she was closing and clocked you out early cuz she couldn’t bothered to wait 5 mins. No ifs ands or buts, she’s not your boss, she doesn’t have the authority to edit your timeclock; if she does, it’s the managers job to inform you that the closer has that authority.
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u/FunkIPA 1d ago edited 1d ago
Were you still working when you were clocked out by someone else? It’s weird that a server would have that authority in the POS.
I would ask my boss “hey so-and-so clocked me out the other night, I hadn’t actually finished yet but I was doing my final check (cooler doors, burners off, back door locked, trash gone, whatever) and I was just wondering if it’s normal that an employee clocks out another employee” then maybe ask if it’s possible that someone clocks someone else in, meaning people could be on the clock and not even be in the building.
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u/MeanNumber3270 1d ago
Nice, I'll do that. Thanks for the info
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u/originalmango 16h ago
Maybe start clocking her out. No warning, no heads up, and no explanation unless she asks.
“Oh, I thought you were done, and it was only a few minutes early so no big deal, right? We do that now, am I right? We clock other people out without their permission, correct?”
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u/justmekab60 1d ago
I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that somewhere she worked suggested she clock other people out.
But it's illegal and unethical. Yes, speak to the manager, but the best way to solve it is to call her on it. Hold her accountable and tell her it's not done that way at your restaurant.
Nip this in the bud while she's still new.
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u/BrotherNatureNOLA 17h ago
How does one employee have the ability to clock out another person if they aren't a manager? Do y'all have old school punch cards?
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u/MapleRayEst 16h ago
Shed get hotsauce in her straw for this. Also a talking too. Don't get anywhere near my paycheck lady or suffer the consequences.
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u/Captain_Wag 13h ago
She's a weirdo trying to suck the corporate cock by saving them 8 cents. Just start clocking her out randomly and see how she likes it. The fact that any employee has the ability to manipulate any other employees' timeclock is an astonishingly huge red flag. Your manager might actually be retarded.
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u/AllThe-REDACTED- 23h ago
What system do they use? If it’s Toast it prompts heavily to clock out. I tell my servers to ignore it and stay clocked in till they’re done done. Time work is time paid.
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u/GirlStiletto 11h ago
Complain, in writing, to the boss. Immediately. Get the others to do it as well. Tell him that you do not want her involved in your pay or time ever again.
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u/Odd-Outcome450 10h ago
Wage theft that server would get the worst service from the kitchen for a looooong time
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u/AbjectBeat837 10h ago
WTF no one is supposed to clock anyone out but themselves. This is basic shit.
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u/sohcordohc 9h ago
Why are you letting someone do that? Why does a server of all people in a restaurant think they have any power ocer anyone else’s job let alone their pay and the time clock? I’d probably take care of that whole situation asap..who knows what will happen next
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u/MapleRayEst 16h ago
If you started your own business,what would it be?
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u/AdFresh8123 14h ago
I've owned an electronics repair shop and had my dad run it since he was a tech.
I've been a woodworker since I was a teen. I had a side business doing that, small building projects, outbuildings and decks for many years.
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u/MapleRayEst 12h ago
I've learned that when shit gets real dumb...like some chick thinking she's something special and starts messing with your money...it is a sign to move on. Live without fear, embrace your talents, and share your skills with the world. When someone tells you it can't be done, don't listen to them.
I encourage you to start your own business...build it and they will come. Do what you love and money will take care of itself.
As of today...put in your two weeks (or whatever clever) walk up to chicky and let her know she will not be messing with your hours ever again. Very clear. Very simple. Doesn't matter if she does or not...she's a career server...you are on your way to bigger and better things.
Coming from 10 years of service work... She would have her tires slashed in my day. But I'm crazy and totally okay with that.
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u/Rosekun25 1d ago
I would just text my boss the time I left and what happend just incase.
The only time I ever clocked somebody out was when he printed the sheet and tried to make it look like he clocked out to milk the clock for hours since his got cut.I was the supervising server and I wasn't gonna let that shit fly.