We're very happy to welcome you to Auto-Rain. Thank you for joining our team! We want you to feel that your association with Auto-Rain will be a mutually beneficial and pleasant one.
You have joined an organization that has established an outstanding reputation for quality services. Credit for this goes to every one of our employees. We hope you, too, will find satisfaction and take pride in your work here.
This Manual provides answers to most of the questions you may have about Auto-Rain's benefit programs, as well as the company policies and procedures we abide by -- our responsibilities to you and your responsibilities to Auto-Rain.
If anything is unclear, please discuss the matter with your supervisor. You are responsible for reading and understanding this Employee Manual, and your performance evaluations will reflect your adherence to Auto-Rain policies. In addition to clarifying responsibilities, we hope this Employee Manual also gives you an indication of Auto-Rain's interest in the welfare of all who work here.
From time to time, the information included in our Employee Manual may change. Every effort will be made to keep you informed through suitable lines of communication, including postings on the company bulletin boards and/or notices sent directly to you in-house.
Compensation and personal satisfaction gained from doing a job well are only some of the reasons most people work. Most likely, many other factors count among your reasons for working -- pleasant relationships and working conditions, career development and promotion opportunities, and health benefits are just a few. Auto-Rain is committed to doing its part to assure you of a satisfying work experience.
I extend to you my personal best wishes for your success and happiness at Auto-Rain.
Sincerely,
Todd Watson, President
Auto-Rain Supply, Inc.
As a member of Auto-Rain's team, you will be expected to contribute your talents and energies to improve the environment and quality of the company, as well as the company's products/services. In return, you will be given opportunities to grow and advance in your career.
Auto-Rain is dedicated to two standards:
* To provide our customers with the best quality products at the best prices with the best service.
* To provide you with wages and benefits comparable to others doing similar work within the industry and within the region.
At Auto-Rain, we always put safety first. We believe it is our duty to provide you with as safe a workplace as we possibly can. For your protection, we have an in-house safety inspection program and we enlist the services of outside safety firms. We also have a substance abuse policy, because you have a right to know you can depend on your co-workers.
The only things we require for employment, compensation, advancement, and benefits are performance and a good team attitude; however, all employment at Auto-Rain is "at will." No one will be denied opportunities or benefits on the basis of age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religious persuasion, marital status, political belief, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions; nor will anyone receive special treatment for those reasons.
Your Various Benefits With Auto-Rain
You may not have thought about it, but the value of your benefits amounts to a considerable sum each year in addition to the wages or salary you earn.
These are just some of the benefits Auto-Rain provides for eligible employees each year:
Employee Purchase Discounts
Direct Payroll Deposit
On-Line Access to Personal & Payroll Data
Health Care/Hospitalization Insurance
Dental Insurance
Flexible Schedules
Flexible Dependant and Medical Benefit Plan
Safety and Performance Incentive Programs
Vacation and Holiday Pay (Salari(z)ed only)
401(k) Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Long Term Disability
Short Term Disability
Life Insurance
Social Security
Unemployment Compensation Insurance
Workers' Compensation Insurance
That's a lot to think about!
This Manual has been prepared to inform you about Auto-Rain's philosophy, employment practices, and policies, as well as the benefits provided to you as a valued employee and the conduct expected from you.
No employee manual can answer every question, nor would we want to restrict the normal question and answer interchange among us. It is in our person-to-person conversations that we can better know each other, express our views, and work together in a harmonious relationship.
We hope this Manual will help you feel comfortable with us. We depend on you -- your success is our success. Please don't hesitate to ask questions. Your Supervisor will gladly answer them. We believe you will enjoy your work and your fellow employees here. We also believe you will find Auto-Rain a good place to work.
We ask that you read this Manual carefully, and refer to it whenever questions arise. We also suggest that you take it home so your family can become familiar with Auto-Rain and our policies.
Auto-Rain's policies, benefits and rules, as explained in this Manual, may be changed from time to time as business, employment legislation, and economic conditions dictate. If and when provisions are changed, you will be given replacement pages for those that have become outdated. A copy will also be placed on our bulletin boards.
The policies in this Manual are to be considered as guidelines. Auto-Rain, at its option, may change, delete, suspend or discontinue any part or parts of the policies in this Manual at any time without prior notice. Any such action shall apply to existing as well as future employees with continued employment being the consideration between the employer and employee. Employees may not accrue eligibility for monetary benefits that they have not earned through actual time spent at work. Employees shall not accrue eligibility for any benefits, rights, or privileges beyond the last day worked. No one other than the President, CEO or VP of Human Resources of Auto-Rain may alter or modify any of the policies in this Manual. No statement or promise by a supervisor, manager, or department head may be interpreted as a change in policy nor will it constitute an agreement with an employee.
Should any provision in this Employee Manual be found to be unenforceable and invalid, such finding does not invalidate the entire Employee Manual, but only the subject provision.
This manual replaces all other previous manuals for Auto-Rain as of January 1, 2003.
This Employee Manual is an important document intended to help you become acquainted with Auto-Rain. This Manual will serve as a guide; it is not the final word in all cases. Individual circumstances may call for individual attention.
Because the general business atmosphere of Auto-Rain and economic conditions are always changing, the contents of this Manual may be changed at any time at the discretion of Auto-Rain. No changes in any benefit, policy or rule will be made without due consideration of the mutual advantages, disadvantages, benefits and responsibilities such changes will have on you as an employee and on Auto-Rain.
Please read the following statements and sign below to indicate your receipt and acknowledgment of the Auto-Rain Employee Manual.
∙I have received and read a copy of the Auto-Rain Employee Manual. I understand that the policies, rules and benefits described in it are subject to change at the sole discretion of Auto-Rain at any time. I understand that this manual replaces all other previous manuals for Auto-Rain as of .
∙I further understand that my employment is terminable at will, either by myself or Auto-Rain, regardless of the length of my employment or the granting of benefits of any kind, including but not limited to profit sharing benefits which provide for vesting based upon length of employment.
∙I understand that no contract of employment other than "at will" has been expressed or implied, and that no circumstances arising out of my employment will alter my "at will" employment relationship unless expressed in writing, with the understanding specifically set forth and signed by myself and the President of Auto-Rain.
∙I am aware that during the course of my employment confidential information will be made available to me, i.e., product designs, marketing strategies, customer lists, pricing policies and other related information. I understand that this information is critical to the success of Auto-Rain and must not be given out or used outside of Auto-Rain's premises or with non-Auto-Rain employees. In the event of termination of employment, whether voluntary or involuntary, I hereby agree not to utilize or exploit this information with any other individual or company.
∙I understand that, should the content be changed in any way, Auto-Rain may require an additional signature from me to indicate that I am aware of and understand any new policies.
∙I understand that my signature below indicates that I have read and understand the above statements and have received a copy of the Auto-Rain Employee Manual.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee's Printed Name Position
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee's Signature Date
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supervisor's Signature Date
The signed original copy of this agreement should be given to your Supervisor -- it will be filed in your personnel file.
Your Various Benefits With Auto-Rain
What Auto-Rain Expects From You
"Non-Exempt" and "Exempt" Employees
Driver's License & Driving Record
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Reinstatement of Benefits (Bridging)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship and/or Right to Work
Spouse Works For or Accepts Employment From a Competitor
Compensation & Performance Policies
Deductions From Paycheck (Mandatory)
Overtime Pay (Non-Exempt Employees Only)
Wage Assignments (Garnishments)
Family/Medical Leave of Absence
Other Employment While on Leave of Absence
Insurance Premium Payment During Leaves of Absence
Injuries or Illnesses Reporting
Safety Rules When Operating Machines & Equipment
What Is Workers' Compensation?
How Much Are the Cash Payments?
Dress Code/Personal Appearance
Entering & Leaving the Premises
Personal Use of Company Property
What Auto-Rain Expects From You
Your primary responsibility to Auto-Rain is to know your own duties and perform them promptly, correctly and pleasantly. You are expected to cooperate with management and your fellow employees and maintain a good team attitude. How you interact with other employees and our customers, and how you accept direction can affect the success of your department. Every department impacts the entire service offered by Auto-Rain. Consequently, you must perform every task to the very best of your ability. The result will be better performance for the company overall, and personal satisfaction for you.
You are encouraged to grasp opportunities for personal development that are offered to you. Auto-Rain believes in direct access to management. Managers are available and expected to discuss your future with the company at appropriate times. We are dedicated to making Auto-Rain a company where you can approach your Supervisor, or any member of management, to discuss any problem or question. Furthermore, this Employee Manual seeks to help you to meet and exceed Auto-Rain expectations and help you to increase your effectiveness for personal and professional development.
We expect you to make your own choices in matters that concern and control your life. We also expect you to voice your opinions and contribute your suggestions to improve our company (Please take a look at the section describing the submission of Suggestions). Please seek to communicate with each other and with management so we better understand as much as possible about the company in which we participate.
Remember, you help create the pleasant, satisfying and safe working conditions that Auto-Rain intends for you. Your dignity and that of fellow employees, as well as that of our customers, is important.
Auto-Rain needs your participation to make each working day enjoyable and rewarding.
The task of handling personnel records and related personnel administration functions at Auto-Rain has been assigned to the Chief Financial Officer. Questions regarding insurance, wages, and interpretation of policies may be directed to your Supervisor or the Chief Financial Officer.
Keeping your personnel file up-to-date can be important to you with regard to pay, deductions, benefits and other matters. If you have a change in any of the following items, please be sure to notify your Supervisor or Human Resources as soon as possible:
1. Legal name
2. Home address
3. Home telephone number
4. Person to call in case of emergency
5. Number of dependents
6. Marital status
7. Change of beneficiary
8. Driving record or status of driver's license, if you operate any Auto-Rain vehicles
9. Military or draft status
10. Exemptions on your W-4 tax form
Coverage or benefits that you and your family may receive under Auto-Rain's benefits package could be negatively affected if the information in your personnel file is incorrect.
You may see information which is kept in your own personnel file if you wish, and you may request and receive copies of all documents you have signed. Please ask your Supervisor to make arrangements for you with Human Resources.
At the time you are hired, you are classified as either full-time, part-time or temporary and are also told whether you qualify for overtime pay. Unless otherwise specified, the benefits described in this Manual apply only to full-time employees. All other policies described in this Manual and communicated by Auto-Rain apply to all employees, with the exception of certain wage, salary and time off limitations applying only to "non-exempt" (see the definition that follows) employees. If you are unsure of which job classification your position fits into, please ask your Supervisor.
An employee who has successfully completed the Introductory Period (see the Employment Policies section for definition) of employment and who works at least thirty (30) hours per week is considered a full-time employee.
If you were a full-time employee and were laid off, you will be considered a full-time employee upon return to work, provided that you were not on layoff for longer than one (1) year.
If you were a full-time employee and have been on an approved leave of absence, upon return you will be considered a full-time employee, provided you return to work as agreed in the provisions of your leave.
An employee who works less than a regular thirty (30) hour work week is considered a part-time employee. If you are a part-time employee, please understand that you are not eligible for benefits described in this Manual, except as granted on occasion, or to the extent required by provision of state and federal laws.
From time to time, Auto-Rain may hire employees for specific periods of time or for the completion of a specific project. An employee hired under these conditions will be considered a temporary employee. The job assignment, work schedule and duration of the position will be determined on an individual basis.
Normally, a temporary position will not exceed six (6) months in duration, unless specifically extended by a written agreement. Summer employees are considered temporary employees.
If you are a temporary employee, please understand that you are not eligible for benefits described in this Manual, except as granted on occasion, or to the extent required by provision of state and federal laws. Those temporary employees classified as "non-exempt" (see the definition that follows) who work more than forty (40) hours during any work week will receive overtime pay.
"Non-Exempt" and "Exempt" Employees
At the time you are hired, all employees are classified as either "exempt" or "non-exempt." This is necessary because, by law, employees in certain types of jobs are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked in excess of forty hours (40) per work week. These employees are referred to as "non-exempt" in this Manual as they are not exempt from record keeping (time cards). This means that they are not exempt from (and therefore should receive) overtime pay.
Exempt employees are managers, executives, professional staff, technical staff, outside sales representatives, officers, directors, owners and others whose duties and responsibilities allow them to be "exempt" from overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws. If you are an exempt employee, you will be advised that you are in this classification at the time you are hired, transferred or promoted.
Whether you are a new hire or a former employee returning to Auto-Rain, you may feel a little strange in your new surroundings. This is a normal feeling and is expected. Your fellow employees, especially your Supervisor, want to help you get off to a good start. Feel free to ask them for help concerning anything you don't understand.
One of the first things you should do is carefully read this Manual. It is designed to answer many of your questions about the practices and policies of Auto-Rain, what you can expect from Auto-Rain, and what Auto-Rain expects from you.
The first day you report to work is your Hire Date. Annually on this date your Anniversary Date occurs and one year is added to your seniority (see the Other Employment Policies Section for definition). Your anniversary date is used to compute various conditions and benefits described in this Manual.
If you have a disability which will affect your ability to take such a test, it is important that you advise a Company representative of this so that a reasonable accommodation can be arranged. Requested accommodations may include accessible testing sites, modified testing conditions, and accessible testing formats. Auto-Rain reserves the right to require medical documentation concerning the need for the accommodation.
All employment and compensation with Auto-Rain is "at will" which means that your employment can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either Auto-Rain or yourself, except as otherwise provided by law.
Under certain circumstances, Auto-Rain may require that you be bonded. It is your responsibility to assure that you are bondable and maintain qualifications to be bonded. Auto-Rain will pay the cost of bonding. Should you fail to maintain these qualifications, you will be subject to transfer to another position, if available, or dismissal. Auto-Rain is covered by insurance for a blanket employee theft and dishonesty bond.
Our regular operating hours are 7:00AM to 5:30PM. Your particular hours of work and the scheduling of your lunch period will be determined and assigned by your Supervisor or department head. Most employees are assigned to work a forty (40) hour work week. You are required to take a one half (½) hour unpaid lunch period daily; please understand that you may not "work through lunch" in order to arrive late or to leave early or to work extra time.
Our customers and suppliers entrust Auto-Rain with important information relating to their businesses. The nature of this relationship requires maintenance of confidentiality. In safeguarding the information received, Auto-Rain earns the respect and further trust of our customers and suppliers.
Your employment with Auto-Rain assumes an obligation to maintain confidentiality, even after you leave our employ.
Any violation of confidentiality seriously injures Auto-Rain's reputation and effectiveness. Therefore, please do not discuss Auto-Rain business with anyone who does not work for us, and never discuss business transactions with anyone who does not have a direct association with the transaction. Even casual remarks can be misinterpreted and repeated, so develop the personal discipline necessary to maintain confidentiality. If you hear, see or become aware of anyone else breaking this trust report the matter to your supervisor or any manager of our company.
No one is permitted to remove or make copies of any Auto-Rain records, reports or documents without prior management approval. Because of its seriousness, disclosure of confidential information could lead to dismissal.
As an employee of Auto-Rain, you have access to personal and confidential information. All Auto-Rain business must be kept strictly confidential. You may be required to sign a Confidential Information Agreement to this effect.
Following the requirements imposed by the Federal-Truth-In-Lending and the Fair Credit Reporting Acts, Auto-Rain may conduct a pre-employment credit check on all applicants who are offered and who accept an offer of employment. Your employment with us may be conditional upon our review of the information in the credit check. Auto-Rain reserves the right to conduct this credit check at any time after you have been employed. Remember, you have certain legal rights to discover and to dispute or explain any information prepared by the credit checking company.
The success of Auto-Rain depends upon the quality of the relationships between Auto-Rain, our employees, our customers, our suppliers and the general public. Our customers' impression of Auto-Rain and their interest and willingness to purchase from us is greatly formed by the people who serve them. In a sense, regardless of your position, you are Auto-Rain's ambassador. The more goodwill you promote, the more our customers will respect and appreciate you, Auto-Rain and Auto-Rain's products and services.
Here are several things you can do to help give customers a good impression of Auto-Rain:
1. Act competently and deal with customers in a courteous and respectful manner.
2. Communicate pleasantly and respectfully with other employees at all times.
3. Follow up on orders and questions promptly, provide businesslike replies to inquiries and requests, and perform all duties in an orderly manner.
4. Take great pride in your work and enjoy doing your very best.
5. Always maintain a professional, clean appearance.
These are the building blocks for your and Auto-Rain's continued success. Thank you for adding your support.
Driver's License & Driving Record
Employees whose work requires operation of a motor vehicle must present and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to our insurer. You will be asked to
submit a copy of your driving record to Auto-Rain from time to time. Any changes in your driving record must be reported to the personnel department immediately. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.
Auto-Rain has a long standing record of nondiscrimination in employment and opportunity because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex or age. The President has issued the following policy stating the Company's views in this matter:
It is the policy of Auto-Rain to:
* Strictly follow personnel procedures that will ensure equal opportunity for all people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran or draft status;
* Comply with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"). Auto-Rain will not discriminate against any qualified employee or job applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person's physical or mental disability.
* Make reasonable accommodations wherever necessary for all employees or applicants with disabilities, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the duties and assignments connected with the job and provided that any accommodations made do not require significant difficulty or expense.
* Achieve understanding and acceptance of Auto-Rain's policy on equal employment opportunity by all employees and by the communities in which the company operates;
* Thoroughly investigate instances of alleged discrimination and take corrective action if warranted;
* Be continually alert to identify and correct any practices by individuals that are at variance with the intent of the equal employment opportunity policy.
At this time, Auto-Rain would like to reaffirm this policy and call upon all personnel to effectively pursue the policy as stated. Please check the employee information bulletin board for all related equal opportunity and job announcements.
The policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation benefits, social and recreational programs, and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
It is the policy of Auto-Rain to comply with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Auto-Rain will not discriminate against any qualified employee or job applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person's physical or mental disability. Auto-Rain also will make reasonable accommodation wherever necessary for all employees or applicants with disabilities, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the duties and assignments connected with the job and provided that any accommodations made do not require significant difficulty or expense.
Equal employment opportunity notices are posted on appropriate employee bulletin boards as required by law. The notices summarize the rights of employees to equal opportunity in employment and lists the names and addresses of the various government agencies that may be contacted in the event that any person believes he or she has been discriminated against.
Management is primarily responsible for seeing that Auto-Rain's equal employment opportunity policies are implemented, but all members of the staff share in the responsibility for assuring that by their personal actions the policies are effective and apply uniformly to everyone.
Any employees, including Supervisors, involved in discriminatory practices will be subject to discharge.
Note: Throughout this Employee Manual, masculine pronouns such as he, his, or him shall be construed so as to include both sexes.
Depending on the circumstances, Auto-Rain may consider a former employee for re-employment. Such applicants are subject to Auto-Rain's usual pre-employment procedures. To be considered, an applicant must have been in good standing at the time of their previous termination of employment with Auto-Rain and must have provided at least two weeks advance notice of their intention to terminate their employment with Auto-Rain.
Reinstatement of Benefits (Bridging)
In the event you return to work for Auto-Rain, within twelve (12) months of termination of your previous employment with Auto-Rain, and you terminated your previous employment with Auto-Rain in good standing, [your absence will be treated as if it were a Leave of Absence/you may be eligible to continue your benefits at the level you enjoyed them (commensurate with your new position) at the time of your termination of previous employment with Auto-Rain].
Auto-Rain intends to provide a work environment that is pleasant, healthful, comfortable, and free from intimidation, hostility or other offenses which might interfere with work performance. Harassment of any sort - verbal, physical, visual or otherwise - will not be tolerated.
Harassment can take many forms. It may be, but is not limited to: words, signs, jokes, pranks, intimidation, physical contact, or violence. Harassment is not necessarily sexual in nature.
Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature that prevents an individual from effectively performing the duties of their position or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment, or when such conduct is made a condition of employment or compensation, either implicitly or explicitly.
All Auto-Rain employees, and particularly Supervisors, have a responsibility for keeping our work environment free of harassment. Any employee who becomes aware of an incident of harassment, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it to their immediate Supervisor or any management representative with whom they feel comfortable. When management becomes aware that harassment might exist, it is obligated by law to take prompt and appropriate action, whether or not the victim wants the company to do so.
Any incidents of harassment must be immediately reported to a manager or other management representative. Appropriate investigation and disciplinary action will be taken. All reports will be promptly investigated with due regard for the privacy of everyone involved. Any employee found to have harassed a fellow employee or subordinate will be subject to severe disciplinary action or possible discharge. Auto-Rain will also take any additional action necessary to appropriately remedy the situation. No adverse employment action will be taken for any employee making a good faith report of alleged harassment.
Auto-Rain accepts no liability for harassment of one employee by another employee. The individual who makes unwelcome advances, threatens or in any way harasses another employee is personally liable for such actions and their consequences. Auto-Rain will not provide legal, financial or any other assistance to an individual accused of harassment if a legal complaint is filed.
Auto-Rain reserves the right to require an employee to participate in a health examination to determine the employee's fitness to perform his/her essential job functions. All such health exams shall be paid for by the company.
Your first ninety (90) days of employment at Auto-Rain are considered an Introductory Period, and during that period you will not accrue benefits described in this Manual unless otherwise required by law. This Introductory Period will be a time for getting to know your fellow employees, your Supervisor and the tasks involved in your job position, as well as becoming familiar with Auto-Rain's products and services. Your Supervisor will work closely with you to help you understand the needs and processes of your job.
This Introductory Period is a try-out time for both you, as an employee, and Auto-Rain, as an employer. During this Introductory Period, Auto-Rain will evaluate your suitability for employment, and you can evaluate Auto-Rain as well. At any time during this first ninety (90) days, you may resign without any detriment to your record. If, during this period, your work habits, attitude, attendance or performance do not measure up to our standards, we may release you. If you take approved time off in excess of five workdays during the Introductory Period, the Introductory Period may be extended by that length of time.
At the end of the Introductory Period, your Supervisor will discuss your job performance with you. This review will be much the same as the normal job performance review that is held for regular full-time or part-time employees on an annual basis. During the course of the discussion, you are encouraged to give your comments and ideas as well.
Please understand that completion of the Introductory Period does not guarantee continued employment for any specified period of time, nor does it require that an employee be discharged only for "cause."
A former employee who has been rehired after a separation from Auto-Rain of more than one (1) year is considered an introductory employee during their first ninety (90) days following rehire.
After having learned to competently perform your own duties, familiarize yourself with other Auto-Rain activities. Knowledge of the services and products of Auto-Rain will help you avoid the “I don't know” syndrome. Our customers' confidence in you increases as you are able to answer their basic questions. However, please don't pretend you know the answer or try to guess the answer when you are uncertain. If you are unsure of the correct information, refer the inquiry to your Supervisor, or to a person more qualified to respond.
Certain employees, such as outside sales representatives and managers, are requested to sign a Non-Compete Agreement prepared by our attorneys as a condition of employment advancement.
What you do on your free time is your own business. However, if you are employed by Auto-Rain in a full-time position, Auto-Rain will expect that your position here is your primary employment. Any outside activity must not interfere with your ability to properly perform your job duties at Auto-Rain.
No employee may take an outside job, either for pay or as a donation of his or her personal time, with a customer or competitor of Auto-Rain; nor may they do work on their own if it competes in any way with the sales of products or services we provide our customers. This includes side jobs of any kind.
Make sure you ask your Supervisor before you accepting or beginning any side job or outside employment. Deviation from this policy will be grounds for disciplinary action which could include termination. If your financial situation requires you to hold a second job, part-time or full-time, or if you intend to engage in a business enterprise of your own, we would like to know about it. Before accepting any outside employment it would be a good idea to discuss the matter with your Supervisor.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship and/or Right to Work
Federal regulations require that 1) before becoming employed, all applicants must complete and sign Federal Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form; and 2) all applicants who are hired need to present documents of identity and eligibility to work in the U. S. within three days of starting work.
Auto-Rain may exercise its right to inspect all packages and parcels entering and leaving our premises.
Spouse Works For or Accepts Employment From a Competitor
Should your spouse work for or accept employment with a competitor firm, Auto-Rain reserves the right not to hire or to terminate your employment with us.
Ask any of our employees who have worked with us for a long time and they will probably tell you of the many changes and improvements that have come about in their departments since they first joined us. We believe the person doing a job is in the best position to think of ways of doing it more easily, more efficiently, and more effectively. If you think of a better way of doing your job or the job of a fellow employee, discuss it with your Supervisor, who will welcome your suggestions and ideas.
Remember, there may be areas in Auto-Rain's operation that can be improved. These could be in service, production methods, equipment, communications, safety, ways to reduce costs, losses, and/or waste, or other improvements you may see a need for. Please give us the benefit of your unique experience and thoughts. Your contributions, as well as those of others, will increase profits both of the company and employees through raises and increased benefits! Also, make sure to document your innovations and money-saving efforts and have them placed in your personnel file (include dates, detailed descriptions of your contributions, estimates from the accounting department regarding cost savings or profits generated, etc.) -- these will favorably affect your wage, salary or promotion reviews.
By accepting employment with us, you have a responsibility to Auto-Rain and to your fellow employees to adhere to certain rules of behavior and conduct. The purpose of these rules is not to restrict your rights, but rather to be certain that you understand what conduct is expected and necessary. When each person is aware that he or she can fully depend upon fellow workers to follow the rules of conduct, then our organization will be a better place to work for everyone.
Generally speaking, we expect each person to act in a mature and responsible way at all times. However, to avoid any possible confusion, some of the more obvious unacceptable activities are noted below. If you have any questions concerning any work or safety rule, or any of the unacceptable activities listed, please see your Supervisor for an explanation.
Occurrences of any of the following violations, because of their seriousness, may result in immediate dismissal without warning:
* Willful violation of any company rule; any deliberate action that is extreme in nature and is obviously detrimental to Auto-Rain's efforts to operate profitably.
* Willful violation of safety rules or failure to observe safety rules or safety practices; failure to wear required safety equipment; tampering with equipment or safety equipment.
* Negligence or any careless action which endangers the life or safety of another person.
* Being intoxicated or under the influence of controlled substance drugs while at work on a job site, on any company premises or in a company vehicle; use or possession or sale of controlled substance drugs in any quantity while on company premises except medications prescribed by a physician which do not impair work performance.
* Unauthorized possession of dangerous or illegal firearms, weapons or explosives on company property or while on duty.
* Engaging in criminal conduct or acts of violence, or making threats of violence toward anyone on company premises or when representing Auto-Rain; fighting, or horseplay or provoking a fight on company property, or negligent damage of property.
* Insubordination or refusing to obey instructions properly issued by your Supervisor pertaining to your work; refusal to help out on a special assignment.
* Threatening, intimidating or coercing fellow employees on or off the premises -- at any time, for any purpose.
* Engaging in an act of sabotage; willfully or with gross negligence causing the destruction or damage of company property, or the property of fellow employees, customers, suppliers, or visitors in any manner.
* Theft of company property or the property of fellow employees; unauthorized possession or removal of any company property, including documents, from the premises without prior permission from management; unauthorized use of company equipment or property for personal reasons; using company equipment for profit.
* Dishonesty; falsification or misrepresentation on your application for employment or other work records; lying about absence or leave; alteration of company records or documents.
* Violating the non-disclosure agreement; giving confidential or proprietary Auto-Rain information to competitors or other organizations or to unauthorized Auto-Rain employees; working for a competing business while a Auto-Rain employee; breach of confidentiality of personnel information.
* Malicious gossip and/or spreading rumors; engaging in behavior designed to create discord and lack of harmony; interfering with another employee on the job; willfully restricting work output or encouraging others to do the same.
* Immoral conduct or indecency on company property.
* Conducting a lottery or gambling on company premises.
* Any act of harassment, sexual, racial or other.
Occurrences of any of the following activities, as well as violations of any Auto-Rain rules or policies, may be subject to disciplinary action, including possible immediate dismissal. This list is not all-inclusive and, notwithstanding this list, all employees remain employed “at will.”
* Unsatisfactory or careless work; failure to meet production or quality standards as explained to you by your Supervisor.
* Telling sexist or racial-type jokes; making racial or ethnic slurs.
* Leaving work before the end of a workday or not being ready to work at the start of a workday without approval of your Supervisor; stopping work before time specified for such purposes.
* Sleeping on the job or loitering during working hours.
* Excessive use of company telephone for personal calls.
* Leaving your work station during your work hours without the permission of your Supervisor, except to use the rest room.
* Smoking in restricted areas or at non-designated times, as specified by department rules.
* Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.
* Posting, removing or altering notices on any bulletin board on company property without permission of an officer of Auto-Rain.
* Failure to report an absence or late arrival; excessive absence or lateness.
* Filling your own order or invoicing or ringing up your own order.
* Buying company merchandise for resale.
* Speeding or careless driving of a forklift or any other company vehicles.
* Failure to immediately report damage to, or an accident involving company equipment.
* Soliciting during working hours and/or in working areas; selling merchandise or collecting funds of any kind for charities or others without authorization.
* Failure to maintain a neat and clean appearance in terms of the standards established by your Supervisor; any departure from accepted conventional modes of dress or personal grooming; wearing improper or unsafe clothing or jewelry when operating equipment.
* Failure to use your timecard; alteration of your own timecard or records or attendance documents; punching or altering another employee's timecard or records, or causing someone to alter your timecard or records.
Unacceptable behavior which does not lead to immediate dismissal may be dealt with in the following manner:
♦Verbal Warning
♦First Written Warning
♦Second Written Warning
♦Third Written Warning
♦Dismissal
Written warnings will include the reasons for the Supervisor's dissatisfaction and any supporting evidence. You will have an opportunity to defend your actions and rebut the opinion of your Supervisor at the time the warning is issued. Disciplinary actions may also include fines, suspensions or other measures deemed appropriate to the circumstances.
All pertinent facts will be carefully reviewed, and the employee will be given a full opportunity to explain his or her conduct before any decision is reached. The President or another member of senior management will give a second opinion concerning the unacceptable behavior before dismissal occurs.
Employment and compensation with Auto-Rain is "at will" in that they can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either Auto-Rain or yourself, except as otherwise provided by law.
If your performance is unsatisfactory due to lack of ability, failure to abide by Auto-Rain rules or failure to fulfill the requirements of your job, you will be notified of the problem. If satisfactory change does not occur, you may be dismissed. Some incidents may result in immediate dismissal.
Compensation & Performance Policies
It is Auto-Rain's desire to pay wages and salaries that are competitive with other employers in the marketplace in a way that will be motivational, fair and equitable, variable with individual and company performance and in compliance with all applicable statutory requirements.
You are employed by Auto-Rain and will be carried directly on our payroll. No person may be paid directly out of petty cash or any other such fund for work performed. The only exception to this policy is where a contract relationship exists with a bona fide contractor.
Auto-Rain applies the same principles of fairness and external comparability to all employees, regardless of organizational level, sex, religion, national origin, age or race.
Your pay is influenced by three factors:
Through a process called job evaluation, the scope, responsibility, impact and required skills and abilities of each job at Auto-Rain are compared. The result is a relative ranking of all jobs, from high to low. Job evaluation is independent of any employee or his performance.
Once jobs are ranked, jobs are compared with external market data. Each job is assigned a range of pay, including a minimum and a maximum. Periodically Auto-Rain will examine the market conditions to ensure ongoing comparability. Changes in pay ranges will be made as needed and as the company can afford, to maintain market comparability.
An individual's pay within this range will depend on his sustained performance over time. Each year every employee will have a performance review with his manager or supervisor. During that review, significant performance events that occurred throughout the year will be discussed.
An individual’s pay is strictly confidential and should not be discussed or shared with anyone else inside the company. Violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary actions which may include dismissal.
The overall performance rating will influence the wage/salary adjustment. Through individual performance and by increasing job responsibilities and moving to higher level jobs, you have significant impact on your pay.
It has been a practice of Auto-Rain to distribute annual merit bonuses when profits permit. Bonuses are determined on the basis of attendance, attitude, cooperation, efficiency, initiative, knowledge, performance, salary and length of service as evaluated by your Supervisor. While this is not a "policy" which applies to all, and is not guaranteed or automatic, we will continue this practice so long as possible.
Deductions From Paycheck (Mandatory)
Auto-Rain is required by law to make certain deductions from your paycheck each time one is prepared. Among these are your federal, state and local income taxes and your contribution to Social Security as required by law. These deductions will be itemized on your check stub. The amount of the deductions may depend on your earnings and on the information you furnish on your W-4 form regarding the number of dependents/exemptions you claim. Any change in name, address, telephone number, marital status or number of exemptions must be reported to your Supervisor or the Human Resource’s office immediately, to ensure proper credit for tax purposes. The W-2 form you receive for each year indicates precisely how much of your earnings were deducted for these purposes.
Any other mandatory deductions to be made from your paycheck, such as court-ordered attachments, will be explained whenever Auto-Rain is ordered to make such deductions. Some states may require other payroll deductions.
Note: See "Wage Assignments (Garnishments)" later on in this section for further information.
Auto-Rain does not advance or loan money to employees as a practice. In the extreme circumstance that you must borrow against your paycheck, you must first discuss your situation with your Supervisor. If he or she feels that your request is justified, an approval is requested from the President, CEO, CFO or Vice President of Human Resources. If approved, an "Employee I.O.U." form will be provided for you to fill out and sign.
Funds you owe to Auto-Rain may be deducted from current wages according to the terms and conditions agreed upon at the time of your advance or loan from Auto-Rain.
Every effort is made to avoid errors in your paycheck. If you believe an error has been made, tell your Supervisor immediately. He or she will take the necessary steps to research the problem and to assure that any necessary correction is made properly and promptly.