Charge code for training

[u/okie-gamer]

I do not do any type of time keeping. I want that to be noted first. I have an online training coming up and I currently work 5/4 9's. The training is on my long week so I will be here in the office all week. My time keeper told me I have to come off of AWS for the training because I will be using the training code for 8 hours. I told them that doesn't make sense can't I just come in at my regular time and charge 8 hours to the training and 1 hour to our regular charge codes we use? They said no when you use that training code it locks the 8 hours and doesn't let you use another charge code for that day. Is this true? It seems like this can't be true. We split hours for days on different time codes all the time. Why can't I just charge 1 hour to a different code and stay on my AWS? My time keeper hasn't been here that long so they could be wrong but thought I would ask here.

[u/Fresh_Advance_4440]

Timekeeper here.

That makes no sense. As long as your hours are properly accounted for with your AWS that labor code doesn't mean shit and CEFMS isn't gonna give you an error or kick anything back at all.

[u/BalanceSilver5613]

Timekeeper should be not directing what codes you use and when.

[u/Disastrous_Lime_5837]

Timekeeper here, that’s some BS. CEFMS does not “lock in” the training code at 8 hours. The only reason you would need to change your TOD is if training hours fell outside your AWS schedule.
Aside from just being stupid, this would conflict with all the 1-2 hours mandatory trainings we have to take, are supposed to record 8 hours of training for those??

[u/NectarineObvious8352 → u/Disastrous_Lime_5837]

TK here (15+ years) and I second this. CEFMS doesn't lock in anything and if the training hours will not fall outside of your scheduled AWS hours then you do not need to change it. There is a policy to come off of AWS during training but it's meant for schedules that conflict with training schedules.

[u/roadtripping26]

Most districts have this policy in place and some timekeepers enforce it. Others don't. Personally I think it's a big ol pain in the butt to change your TOD just for one pay period so I usually try to do what you're suggesting. Yes, you can do it. No, they don't have locks on the codes or anything like that. But if your timekeeper is pushing it then you probably have to do it. Frankly it is more work for them than it is for you.

[u/ANinjieChop]

Yeah that sounds odd. I’ve had to change from AWS to a different schedule when I’ve traveled to in-person training where the schedule would force me to operate on different hours, but not for something like this.

I would check with your supervisor too, just to get their input as well.

[u/flareblitz91 → u/ANinjieChop]

I've never heard of people actually changing off of their AWS for that though in CEFMS. The employees just record their actual hours.

[u/Novel_Phase8683]

Some of yall be getting time keepers??

[u/Trick_Fuel_9222]

At our district, if you're on an AWS, you have to come off it for training.

[u/Murky-Map6897]

That sounds like a policy not a cefms issue. I’d each to your supervisor or whoever approved said training for you to take.

[u/AlgaeGirl2007]

In the past, I’ve had employees have to come off AWS for the training then go back on the next pay period. It does NOT make sense

[u/miatahead88]

This is how we do it in our district.

[u/uyuyuiyui]

Your timekeeper is correct per AR 350-1 and OPM Compress Work Schedules Guidelines.

[u/Maleficent-End-4598]

Gotta love veteran time keepers. They just give it to you 'straight up/ no ice'.

[u/ineededagrownupname]

Chiming in as a supervisor, as long as the balance of the 80 hour pay period looks right that’s really all that matters. Anyone telling you otherwise is either green or gets a kick out of making work out of nothing.