You are going to deal with overtime for one screw that takes you 30 seconds? Sure if we are talking about a lot of time, but one screw is a few seconds and you go home.
I thought we were talking reasonable people. No reasonable person would do what you said - leave a 30 second task to put in one screw for another day.
And even if they did, if it only takes 30 seconds and no extra effort... why can't the person asking do it or get someone else?
Also, if you need to leave on the hour to make other commitments why should boss be able to force you to stay without compensation? (bus schedule, pick up children and spend time with them, pick up spouse, go to concerts, meet friends etc)
Taking it to the extreme is what you already see in shops and warehouses, etc, where they need to stay, unpaid, for a couple of hours to secure things and clean up...
> No reasonable person would do what you said - leave a 30 second task to put in one screw for another day...why can't the person asking do it or get someone else?
From what I've heard of US unions (never been in one myself) they're quite strict about not allowing this kind of thing. Certain tasks can only be performed by particular union employees. I suppose they consider it a slippery slope. But again, it's also possible that in the story we're discussing the union member just didn't like this person enough to do them a favor.
And even if they did, if it only takes 30 seconds and no extra effort... why can't the person asking do it or get someone else?
Also, if you need to leave on the hour to make other commitments why should boss be able to force you to stay without compensation? (bus schedule, pick up children and spend time with them, pick up spouse, go to concerts, meet friends etc)
Taking it to the extreme is what you already see in shops and warehouses, etc, where they need to stay, unpaid, for a couple of hours to secure things and clean up...