Howard's Words of Wisdom (?!?!?)
advice garnered from 29 years
working at Kaiser

arranged in no particular order

• "No harm, no foul" does not apply here - it's not what you intend, it's what the other person claims that applies. Even if you meant no harm, if they claim they perceived harm then that's all it takes to put you in the wrong.

• Don't throw things - Even a harmless toss intended to save a few steps can be reported as a "violent assault" by someone who wants to pick on you.

• The TIME phone system - 
  always clock in/out accurately, resist the tendency to fudge
  -if you're injured on the job but your timecard showed you were off you'll be ineligible for Workman's Compensation
  -if your timecard says you were there and you weren't you could be terminated, even if you were going to make up/already made up the hours involved

NEVER let anyone sign in or out for you except your manager

NEVER, EVER sign in or out for anyone else

always print out completed timecards off the computer

always compare timecards with paycheck stubs

save them, you'd be surprised how often they come in handy

• Paychecks - always save them, they too come in handy

always compare PTO, ESL listed with the amount on the last stub
-this gets screwed up a lot
-sometimes it's the only way you'll find out Kaiser has made a "payroll adjustment" and taken some away

• Human Resource Service Center (aka HR, People Solutions) - 
  ride these people hard if you ever want anything done. 

NEVER let them call you back, even if it's "right away." They use historical time frames. "Right away" could be weeks. Better to wait on hold (see below).

Prepare to be on hold for a long time: use a speaker phone, have something to occupy your time waiting

You may have to call back repeatedly, more than just once or twice

Always document any interactions with them: name, date, time, outcome

• Mistakes - everyone makes mistakes. Whatever you do, don't try to hide them, that's a serious disciplinary infraction. 

• Rules - there may be rules, even written rules, but don't depend on management to know them or follow them

When in doubt, ask

-Howard Hertz
  Chief steward, Kaiser Northern California
  hh@gfpp.org