Read the text messages my boss sent demanding I start 15 minutes early for free because 'being on time is late'

A demanding boss ordered their worker to sign on 15 minutes early for their shift, without pay, infuriating the disgruntled employee.

The staff member forwarded the controversial messages to 'The Outsourcing Expert' Michael Sanz, who revealed in a video last week that some bosses consider arriving at the rostered start time the same as arriving late.

Before reading out the text chain, Mr Sanz prefaced the video by saying: 'This one doesn't surprise me at all.'

The exchange started with the boss asking: 'Hi mate. You logged in at 9am this morning, any reason?'

The employee replied: 'My shift starts at nine?'

Texts (pictured) between a boss and employee regarding unpaid work has ignited a debate on work ethic

The boss shot back: 'Yes but you need to be ready to start at 9am, so that means you need to get in at least 15 minutes early.'

Mr Sanz and commenters alike praised the employee's response, which stated: 'Okay, how do you want me to log that on my time sheet? It only allows me to start from 9am.'

'They sound really reasonable, like they want to be able to help get in there early so the company thinks they'll be ready to start,' Mr Sanz said.

'Sounds like a really good team member.'

However, the boss was less impressed by the worker's response.

'There's no way, it's not something you're paid for. You just need to be ready to start at 9am and not just walk in,' they wrote.

The worker replied: 'But I AM ready to start then. I log in at 9am and start. Has there even been a problem?' 

The boss replied: 'Well no but we need everyone to be in 15 minutes early so there isn't a rush.'

The worker sent their final message, saying: 'Once you sort out how we can clock in 15 minutes early, I'll start that.

'Or perhaps you want me to finish 15 minutes early? Happy either way.

'Just need to be clear on if I'm paid for the extra time or how you want to structure this so it works for everyone.'

Mr Sanz said it has become more common for Australian bosses to demand their employees start early or finish late.

'Fair enough, but a lot of people aren't paid for that time so I can see the problem,' he said. 

'If you have to come in early or work when you're off-shift, then you should be compensated.'

However, opinion in the comments was heavily divided between 'old school' and 'young' mentalities.

'Early is on time. On time is late. Old school attitude is best,' one person wrote.

'The Outsourcing Expert', Michael Sanz (pictured), applauded the worker for standing their ground but recruitment expert Graham Wynn warned not following manager requests could cost employees their promotion

'I think you should get there at least 5-10 minutes before you start. It's just good work ethic,' another said.

'He better not ever take a minute longer on his lunch break, never take a personal call in work time or use his phone to do any personal work,' a third said.

'If you want the job, turn up 15 mins early,' another wrote.

Those backing the worker argued the unpaid minutes would quickly add up to unpaid hours.

'It's just 15 minutes but that clocks up to an unpaid hour in just four days,' one said.

'These are the same kind of employers who make sure breaks are to the second,' another said.

'Pay vs cost of living isn't on par and there's no incentive for me to give my free time or do anymore than my contract requires,' another wrote. 

While Mr Sanz applauded the worker for standing their ground, recruitment expert Graham Wynn warned not following manager requests could cost employees their promotion. 

'If you always arrive at your start time, and leave exactly at your finish time, then you will more than likely be overlooked for promotions etc,' he told Yahoo Finance. 

'Employers always look to reward those who put in that little bit extra effort.'

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