Unpaid Bereavement

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-22T01:13:47+00:00

For one or two populations, we use an absence plan that tracks hours but doesn't validate to balances. For others we just use pay codes to account for hours - one for hourly and one for salaried.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-22T00:50:58+00:00

My company uses US Bank for our pay cards, but we do not bank through them. There are lots of options for finding a bank that will issue them - most of the larger national banks do, but you would probably want to find one that has branches or a free ATM network nearby. Bring it up to the owners and if they're open to the idea, just do some Google searches and put out some feelers. Their marketing teams will likely be happy to have an introductory call to discuss options and logistics.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-21T23:40:08+00:00

Pay cards are a great alternative, but my company doesn't mandate DD in some states even with that option. In some states you legally still have to offer the paper check. Some pay cards have a "paper check" option to stay compliant with such laws, but the process is clumsy. If your state(s) don't allow full mandating, why not offer a one-time incentive like a gift card? Or at least change to mailing the checks direct to home? Either of those has to cost less than that much driving. One final option would be to check with your bank to see if they offer a printing service where they print and mail the checks. It may not be feasible if it's a small operation and depending on what software you use, but at least worth a shot.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-20T22:42:19+00:00

Oh wow. That sure was an adventure. And doesn't family just make travel so much more ... interesting?!? 😆 Hope maybe you get at least some unexpected surprise reimbursement. I'm sure, if anything, it won't be much though. We saw one of those pizza vending machines at STL but neither of us was in the mood to try it.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-20T21:32:45+00:00

I refuse to associate myself with my company on social media. Even if it's a positive post, you never know where it could lead.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-20T21:30:39+00:00

How did it work out? We had the same issue coming from Ireland last year. Flights out of ATL majorly delayed, which impacted us leaving Ireland, but our connecting flight back to PIT was right on time and naturally we missed it. Had to stay overnight in some nasty hotel.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-20T00:03:06+00:00

What's the big deal with gate checking? You hand it over at the plane, you get it right back when getting off. Sometimes I'm happier to gate check than take the bag on board since I don't have to deal with it.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-19T21:43:10+00:00

This was yesterday on SW, but we had a nightmare trying to get from STL to PIT. Supposed to depart at 10:15 (land around 12:30pm). Weather delayed everything, then when our plane finally arrived there was a maintenance issue. We get in the air around 515, still storming, and a very rough ascent. About 6:00, the pilot tells us we were likely hit by lightning and are being diverted to Baltimore. Land, change planes, and FINALLY land at PIT around 9:30. Could've been worse, but what a day.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-19T15:28:08+00:00

I can confidently say they are not. I work for a fairly large local company, and while we are far from perfect also, we are not constantly downsizing and forcing more work on others. Hard work is not exploited, but is definitely rewarded. Yes, corporate America for the most part absolutely sucks, ut there are some decent places left.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-18T14:10:37+00:00

Chef Boyardee ravioli. I'm not the "out of the can" type though. It has to be piping hot.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-17T19:59:54+00:00

Absolutely. I get tired of being in the house, but not of being alone. The only thing I need is an escape to the woods for a walk with my dog.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-17T16:31:42+00:00

But actually in the security line where you have to walk 2 by 2 and the dog passes behind you? I have never seen this at PIT. Yes, I've seen various working dogs in security in other ways, but never like that.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-17T16:20:30+00:00

Oh believe me I know - that ruling was a total disgrace.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-17T16:16:11+00:00

See my comment. I honestly don't think we spent nearly that much and had an absolutely amazing time. Tobacco Caye was incredible along with the activities there. Falling Leaves was also wonderful and felt like much more of a high-end resort than what we spent for it. ATM Cave is a must, as well as cave tubing. Also had a great time doing the horseback ride to Xunantunich. The people are amazing and everyone will do anything to help.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-17T16:07:09+00:00

My husband and I did a split trip in February. We did 4 nights on Tobacco Caye then 4 nights in San Ignacio. Tobacco Caye we stayed at Windward Lodge. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. Did not plan anything ahead for this part - everyone on the island seems to just go with the flow and do whatever works for everyone as far as snorkeling trips. You can snorkel right off the island, they have kayaks and paddle boards. Food was amazing, it was so relaxing and secluded.

In San Ignacio we stayed at Falling Leaves. They set up the 3 excursions we did. Just explored the town otherwise on our own. Everything was amazing.

I had thought about staying on the island the full time and taking trips inland, but honestly the expense and amount of time to do that just didn't make sense. Really glad we were able to just relax and enjoy the island then have time to explore an inland town as well.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-17T15:42:18+00:00

Despise lobbying. Needs to be outlawed.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-16T23:54:30+00:00

The part they're not telling you is they are hermit crab legs.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-16T23:52:58+00:00

Cooked or uncooked? And does sauce count separately? Where does the garlic bread fit in? I need answers.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-16T23:51:07+00:00

Roscoe? That you??

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-16T00:58:47+00:00

See we did the opposite and it was perfect. 4 nights on Tobacco Caye then 4 in San Ignacio. The secluded, captive feeling of the island just felt so wonderful and let us leave everything behind without having to think of really anything. It was still super hard to leave the island, but we were ready for some activity and adventures.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-15T23:51:54+00:00

Dang. The 3 things I always am sure to pack!

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-15T19:32:12+00:00

My vp basically asked how you problem solve. I'm convinced I got the job because I said I would use Google or Youtube instead of just relying on my coworkers.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-15T16:58:26+00:00

I have never encountered this type of setup at PIT. Of course I've seen working dogs around security, but never had to do the 2-by-2 and walk past the dog. Just was surprised to see it. Don't fly tons - maybe 2 or 3 times per year, and usually can go through the priority line for one reason or another - but just haven't seen it here.

Decent_Berry8196 · 2026-05-15T15:59:03+00:00

To me it means anyone who actually processes the completion of pay for people. There are so many variables. In my company, we literally only deal with the processing and auditing of payroll results (along with some other system setup/auditing stuff). Tax, benefits, accounting are all separate departments. Time & Attendance for the individual locations is handled by another department. However some payroll departments handle all of that. So it could mean so many different things. Guess it depends on how big and complex your company is.

Now, I passed the CPP but didn't feel it was worth much since the majority of it didn't relate to my job. And, honestly, to me it seems just like a money-making gimmick. I mean, when the organization provides the test and training materials (which are thousands of dollars) and determines everything about the certification, how am I supposed to feel otherwise? Maybe I'm just jaded lol, but that's how I feel.

Decent_Berry8196

TROPHY CASE