CIBC Faces Lawsuit Over Unpaid Labor
Topic: June 5, 2007
"How many hours does it take to do this work?"
"If we add in the extras like customer interruptions, the average time is 42 to 45 hours per week."
"That just won't do. For what matters is the bottom line."
"But sir, that's what it takes. We ran the numbers over and over again. Extrapolated them to thousands of employees across the country it still works out the same."
"What about non-management, front -line types?"
"We've managed to increase their workloads, however the time it takes still falls within the 42 to 45 hour mark."
"Suggestions?"
"I think we could simply decrease their workload so that they don't have to work any extra time."
"Ha. That was funny. I haven't laughed like that in a long time. Now seriously, as though your job depends on it, give me another option."
"How about this. We have them do the extra work. We just don't pay them for it."
"I like it. Tell me more."
"We give them their timesheets to fill in. If they start to write in any overtime hours, we have managers looking over their shoulders going HARUMPH."
"Do you think it'll work?"
"Oh, I think we'll be able to get away with it for quite some time."
"Let's hope so. Now, onto other business. If we can maintain this level, what will our bonuses be?"
"I've got a team working 45 hours a week on that sir. Early estimates show they could be big, really, really big."