What Do You Think About 20 Hours Training Before Getting Paid?
By Shawtyshara
@Shawtyshara (105)
April 3, 2009 4:09pm CST
Today after an "Interview" with subway (was hardly an interview really, more just asking me what days I can work and that was it!) They told me that I'm gonna have to do 20 hours of non paid training before I get anything.
Many people are saying that its ilegal while others are saying it is.
What Do You Think About it?
I personally think 20 Hours is Just Bulls**t
1 person likes this
6 responses
@Annapplejuice (3)
• United States
3 Apr 09
If it was some great, opportunity of a lifetime kind of career - then yes, I probably would be willing to come in and do some non-paid training. But to work at Subway? No way in hell. That sounds completely illegal to me, especially for a corporation like subway. I think the manager or whoever interviewed you is full of bulls**t.
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@Shawtyshara (105)
•
3 Apr 09
Mmm Hmm!
Gotta Agree With You There!!
But I'm too wuss to stand up to him and say something about it. The one who spoke to me is telling me to go to another store which is like down the road. So now I gotta go meet another dude who is going to be the one training me.
Should I say Something to him? Such as
"is it true I'm going to be working for 20 hours un paid!?"
And if he says yeah, what do you think I should say back?
But I suppose I do want the job because I really need one, But I don't really want to be treated un fairly about it.
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@okkidokitokki (1736)
• United States
4 Apr 09
I would ask him that just to make sure, and if he is serious then I would keep looking for a job.
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@okkidokitokki (1736)
• United States
4 Apr 09
I would laugh at them and find another job. I worked at a truck stop that had a Subway in it and I helped them when they were busy, it is not that hard to make a sandwich. It is also not that hard to run a cash register.
I do not know if it is illegal or not but I still wouldn't waste my time.
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
4 Apr 09
Using the U.S. Department of Labor information as an example, unpaid training IS legal... but only under certain conditions. I went to a legal advice website and they provided this criteria:
The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) has provided a list of 6 criteria. All of the criteria must be met in order for a training to be unpaid:
* The training is similar to the training given in a vocational school (even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer).
* The trainees work under close observation, but do not displace regular employees
* The training is for the benefit of the trainee
* There has been an understanding between an employer and trainee that the trainee is not entitled for the wages for the time spent on training.
* The trainees are not entitled to a job after the completion of the training
* The employer derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the trainees in the training process.
Source: http://www.freelegaladvicehelp.com/employment/labor-law/Labor-Law-And-Unpaid-Training-Time.html
It would seem that, if you are being trained but not taking the place of a regular employee (ie., you're standing beside someone who is doing the job you will eventually do) and that you agree to be trained for 20 hours, then they could do it. If you have never worked for Subway before then the training is "for your benefit" as in the third criteria.
BUT! If you are actually working in the restaurant, put on the schedule instead of an existing employee (ie., working a shift that someone else would have worked), you are working for the benefit of the employer and should be paid. I know some places train at minimum wage and then, if the person is given the job after succeeding at training, they get the normal starting compensation.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
5 Apr 09
Awww, I'm sorry you had a rough start :( If it's your first job - and you WANT the job - then, yes, you should go back on Monday. What you are feeling right now sounds like what I call "cut and run syndrome"... you're a bit scared and the easiest thing seems to be to never go back. You are absolutely going to be nervous. Believe me, everyone gets nervous at a new job, even if they have had LOTS of jobs before. It's all about the unknown. We have to give ourselves time to learn but, somehow, we expect to know everything right away, too. Human nature, I guess.
BUT! Having said that, you can do some things to stand up for yourself. You have to realize the manager is very used to the work. He does things without having to think twice. If you feel he is rushing your training or being impatient with you, tell him. Maybe say something like, "Would you please go over that again because I want to be sure I understood correctly." He is also probably watching to see how you handle stress because the food service business can be REALLY hectic and he'll want to know that you will be able to keep up with the pace.
Is the language of the business English? If so, and they are conducting conversations right in front of you in a language you don't understand, that's quite rude. Without being rude in return, try looking at them directly and saying, "I'm sorry but maybe you don't realize that I don't understand your conversation?" They KNOW you don't understand, I'm pretty sure, but putting them on the spot that way may stop it, at least for awhile (if nothing else, they might stop doing it right in front of you). It might help until you start to feel comfortable there. Plus, it won't hurt for them to see that you don't intend to let them push you around ;) Every employee should be respected equally.
You may be shy around men now but I think you'll get used to it... I mean, you are going to have to serve male customers, too. You just aren't familiar with the environment. Once you have learned to do the job, you are going to be a lot more confident. Self-confidence helps you to be less shy :) and your self-confidence will continue to grow as you get better and better at your work.
It will be your decision if you stay there, even though it's already hard... but, if you need and want to work, there are not always ideal workplaces. I will be thinking of you and hope you will keep us posted on how you do!
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@Shawtyshara (105)
•
6 Apr 09
Aww thank you ^^
Your the most helpful person i've come across on mylot :)
But since im reading this at 1pm monday... Well...I've already have not went to work xD Uhh mannn.
Well you know you said that they want to see how I handle stress, well I think me crying showed that I just bursted out.. Ohhh :(. They probably would have let me go after training anyway.
The manager was like: "I have trained 500 people and you are the first person to cry! Don't worry, your just so...just don't worry"
Eurgh! I thought that was rather rude and it didn't make me feel better. Actully im glad I didn't go back there! He goes there so many cultures that work there! then why do I only see Pakistani's OUFFF, not that I have a problem with them if you know what I meann xD
Well thank you for being really helpful =D
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@Shawtyshara (105)
•
4 Apr 09
OOoo Thank you for that =]
I guess It's legal in their case then.
I had my first training today, it was so horrible!
All three pakistani guys and they kept talking in their language to each other and it was obvious they were talking about me! And the manager who was teacher me kept talking and saying stuff as though he expects me to get it right the first time! And saying stupid comments and being so serious...I even had tears and blamed it on the onions xD
They told me to go home so I can calm down and come in again on monday. Do you think I should just not go back? I want to only because I want a job, but it was so scary to me because i've never had a job before and i'm quite shy with men xD
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@UK_Shree (3603)
•
3 Apr 09
I have no idea about whether it is legal or not but it doesn't sound very reasonable and I would not be happy to do it.
If they want to train you, they should pay you for it. I am sure most companies do not expect to train their new staff and not pay them.
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