and sorry Nate, I must disagree. No employee is obligated to do anything off the clock, regardless if wearing their uniform or not. A customer can stomp their feet and throw a tantrum to get the employee fired for not helping them while being off the clock, but nothing can happen. Its against the federal labor law to work off the clock, and even if the employer fires the employee because they refused to help someone, the employee can have a legal case against the company.

On a general note, When I clock out, i'd like to get out of work right away and go home. I don't mind answering a quick question, but it really pisses me off when someone KNOWS and even addresses that they know you are off the clock, but still want you to help them.That is just taking advantage of someone! One time, I had to leave work(had already punched out) for a family emergency. A lady flagged me down, (I was off the clock) and i said "sorry i can't help you right now,"while I was RUNNING..And guess what?She complained! Wouldn't running give any smart person the idea that perhaps something was urgent?I guess she was that naive. Did I get in trouble? No, and I can't either, I had a good reason, and I WASN"T GETTING PAID to help her! Luckily, my boss was a nice person anyways. Helping her was NOT more important than my family's well being! How rotten of her, and I could care less if she didn't know about my issue or not.I was not about to stop and tell her about it, nor was it even any of her business! You only represent the company when they pay you, but your not obligated to do anything you are not paid to do.That is what labor laws are for. This letter writer should take some lessons on labor laws.