Double-Shift Double-Trouble

(I’m half way through a day shift; the only guy doing the night shift has just rang in sick.)

Boss: “Hey, [My Name] can you come back in tonight and cover for [Coworker]?”

Me: “Do my shift and his?”

Boss: “Sorry, but we have no one else.”

Me: “I guess, but this is going to be pretty tough. Do I have to do the full 12 hours?”

Boss: “Yes. Go home now and come back, please.”

(Reluctantly I agree, I manage a few hours sleep before coming back to work. I consider that it is helping the company so I get on and struggle through.)

Manager: “What are you doing here?”

Me: “Oh, I, err, I’m covering the shift.”

Manager: “That’s not good enough!”

Me: *confused* “Sorry, what?”

Manager: “You’ve broken company rules; you’re not supposed to be here!”

Me: “What? I was asked to! What I am supposed to do?”

Manager: “Just go home and come back in tomorrow for your normal shift.”

(I ended up being totally exhausted and losing pay. When I got back in the following morning, I get told off again, first for not completing my shift. When I explained why, I got told off for not knowing the company policy!)