Reply to: OT hours and torture by Agency

[LucidDementia]

Is the term 'OT' not considered an employment related term?

Employment related? Can be.

In the same way "commuting" or "laptop" can be.

[SlipTheJab]

Shirley. If the times haven't been submitted then the agent doesn't know he can charge the client for them.

Good point, ... and don't call me Shirley

[sociopath]

Is the term 'OT' not considered an employment related term?

[Yonmons]

Firstly being a Northerner and saying it like it is, I wouldnt be doing any more O/T until this is resolved and I would be making my PM, (or whoever ) clientco side aware of the reasons why.

Get a grip of your agent and dont let go until they have resolved this. Are you on hourly rate if so why cant you put your hours in the portal ? its sounds to me they have you on a daily rate, and somehow you have wangled O/T on top ? Whichever way dont let it just drift on, you will be the one losing out.

[psychocandy]

Another reason why I'm not fussed on self-bill. I'd rather be the one to produce my own invoices rather than rely on their crap software to do it for me (and fail as in this case).

[NotAllThere]

3. I confirm that the ticket is raised with correct department.

What department is that? IT or your agent? You've two issues here: 1) the software isn't working 2) you're not getting your overtime paid. Two SEPARATE issues. Deal with them SEPARATELY.

...
4. Agency uses fieldglass.net for time-sheets to pay and generate self-billing invoices. they don't accept our invoices. can I still try sending paper/pdf invoices to them?.

For your first issue, IMHO, fieldglass is not fit for purpose (yes, I have to use it) - either that or the morons who implement it haven't a clue. Small tip - some of the errors you get when they try to validate your timesheet entries are in fact just warnings and you can get past them. But otherwise - don't concern yourself about it.

For your second issue, send the agency paper invoices, by registered mail. If they don't get paid within the required time (30 days if not otherwise stated), start dunning (detailed elsewhere here if you will search).

[SueEllen]

When you post the invoice and other documents make sure you use registered post, otherwise someone will lose it and claim you didn't send it in. (Obviously keep the receipt. )

Even if they then do lose it and it blows up no judge will believe they didn't receive it.

[northernladuk]

Sorry, I didn't understand the part - ""Stick 26 hours in for every day"

If you put a massive number in the agency portal it will flag at their end and they will have no choice to get hold of you to sort it out else they will be commiting to pay you 26 hours when the client is only paying the agent for 8. It will force the agent in to taking action and contacting you so you broach the OT issue.... Or paying you for 26 hours a day. Win either way.

[prvnrk]

Thanks northernladuk, NotAllThere, BlasterBates & everyone for your responses.

1. My contract is like quarterly (3 months) and there're usually gaps in between 2 extensions. I got the current contact 40 days ago and will be over in another 50 days.

2. helpdesk receive calls but they say that they need to check with someone else. they never responded to any of my emails. I also let reporting manager (end client) know of this situation.

3. I confirm that the ticket is raised with correct department.

4. Agency uses fieldglass.net for time-sheets to pay and generate self-billing invoices. they don't accept our invoices. can I still try sending paper/pdf invoices to them?

Send them a mail saying you will be terminating your contract with immediate notice if they don't respond in 24 hours. That should grab their attention. Another not so harsh option would be to stick 26 hours in for every day.

Sorry, I didn't understand the part - ""Stick 26 hours in for every day"

If you've got your out in/out status right you should be able to invoice them without a time sheet though can't you? If nothing else it should grab their attention as I mentioned above.

I have screenshots of approved working hours (end client side)

[NotAllThere]

FTFY, or am I being a touch cynical?

Shirley. If the times haven't been submitted then the agent doesn't know he can charge the client for them.

[northernladuk]

FTFY, or am I being a touch cynical?

I think you are being a bit over the top there. They might be push the boundaries but I very much doubt any agency would be as blatant as this.

[DaveB]

You're dealing with the wrong people. The ticket you've raised is with the IT department of the agency. They don't care. Your agent cares. If you've 45 OT hours to claim, then he's got 45 he doesnt want to pay you for!

Two pieces of advice for your career

1. Learn to figure out the key people you need to talk to
2. Don't feel you have to conform to someone else's systems. Especially when they don't work!

FTFY, or am I being a touch cynical?

[TheFaQQer]

Now I'm tired of all these and tortured enough by my agency

First world problems - I'm being "tortured" because I can't work out how to invoice properly.

FFS

[NotAllThere]

You're dealing with the wrong people. The ticket you've raised is with the IT department of the agency. They don't care. Your agent cares. If you've 45 OT hours to claim, then he's got 45 hours of commission to bill for!

Two pieces of advice for your career

1. Learn to figure out the key people you need to talk to
2. Don't feel you have to conform to someone else's systems. Especially when they don't work!

[WTFH]

Your other option is that if their timesheet system shows weekends, then put the hours as Saturdays and Sundays - 16 hours per week extra.