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Blocks and Appeals

To establish a fair and transparent process for addressing platform user conduct issues and ways to appeal such decisions

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Written by Joe

Company Blocks:

Companies who post on the WorkWhile platform may, at their discretion, request that a platform user be blocked from accepting future shifts at their specific location(s). These blocks are separate from any actions taken by WorkWhile itself. While blocked, users cannot access shifts or apply for opportunities through the WorkWhile platform. Notifications for new shifts will resume only after reactivation.

WorkWhile does not disclose the number or details of employer blocks for privacy and security reasons. Additionally, the platform does not have visibility into the reasons behind an employer's decision to block a worker.

Reasons for Company Blocks:

Company blocks may be issued for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Attendance issues (e.g., excessive tardiness, no-shows)

  • Performance deficiencies

  • Violation of company-specific rules or policies

  • Safety violations

  • Insubordination or disrespectful behavior

  • Damage to property

  • Theft or other misconduct

  • Canceling a shift with less than 24 hours’ notice without valid documentation

  • Attendance verification failures, such as location tracking being unavailable due to poor service or closing the WorkWhile app, or failure to sign an on-site timesheet.

Three-Block Policy:

WorkWhile has established a policy regarding the accumulation of customer blocks:

  • Third Block: Upon receiving a third customer block, the user’s access to the WorkWhile platform may be permanently removed, subject to the appeals process outlined below.

  • First Block: Users will be notified of the block and reminded of platform policies.

  • Second Block: Users will receive a warning and information about the potential consequences of further blocks. Deactivation due to multiple blocks is typically irreversible, unlike a reliability strike, which may be resolved by completing additional shifts. Creating a second account to bypass a block violates WorkWhile's Terms of Service and will result in account closure.

Appeals Process:

WorkWhile recognizes that extenuating circumstances may contribute to customer blocks. Therefore, a formal appeals process is available to platform users who believe a block was issued unfairly or in error. Click here to access our appeal form.

Note that support cannot see which specific employer placed the block, so submitting an appeal is the only way to address such issues.

Appeals Procedure:

Notification: When a platform user receives a customer block that may lead to removal from the WorkWhile platform (i.e., a second or third block), they will be notified of their right to appeal.

Submission: To initiate an appeal, the platform user must submit a written appeal to WorkWhile Support within 90 days of the date of the block notification. The appeal should include:

  • The date(s) of the block(s) being appealed.

  • The name of the customer that issued the block(s).

  • A detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the block(s).

  • Any supporting documentation (e.g., evidence of illness, communication with the customer, etc.).

  • Screenshots or evidence of app navigation issues, if applicable.- Vehicle service receipt (for car-related issues) or other relevant proof of the emergency.

  • Proof of extenuating circumstances, such as an obituary or other relevant documentation.

Review: WorkWhile will review the appeal and any supporting documentation. WorkWhile may also contact the customer that issued the block to gather additional information.

Decision: WorkWhile will make a decision regarding the appeal within [Number] days of receiving the written appeal. The platform user will be notified of the decision in writing. The decision may include:

  • Upholding the block.

  • Reversing the block.

  • Other appropriate resolutions.

Finality: WorkWhile's decision regarding the appeal will be final.

Common Appeal Scenarios

Missed Shifts Due to Valid Reasons

If you missed a shift due to valid reasons, such as illness, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. For example, a doctor’s note, vehicle service receipt, or other relevant proof can be submitted to validate your claim. Submit these documents within 7 days of the missed shift. Once the documentation is reviewed and approved, your account may be reinstated.

Additionally, in cases of extenuating circumstances, such as a family emergency or bereavement, you may be required to provide relevant documentation, such as an obituary or other proof.

Missed Shifts Without Valid Reasons

Accounts blocked due to missed shifts without valid reasons may still be reinstated as a one-time courtesy reinstatement. However, this is subject to review, and you must ensure compliance with all policies moving forward to avoid future violations. This reinstatement is conditional on your commitment to adhering to attendance policies going forward, and it will not be extended again for future violations.

No-Call/No-Show Incidents

If your account was blocked due to a no-call/no-show incident, reinstatement is generally only possible within the standard 90-day appeal window. However, in some cases, WorkWhile may offer a one-time courtesy reinstatement even after the appeal window has expired. If eligible, support can reactivate your account, and you should refresh the app to see the updated status.

Important Considerations:

  • While a platform user may appeal a block, WorkWhile reserves the right to suspend a user’s access to the platform during the appeal process, particularly if there are safety concerns or ongoing investigations.

  • This policy does not prevent WorkWhile from taking separate action, including removal from the platform, for violations of WorkWhile'sterms of service or policies, independent of company blocks.

  • WorkWhile may modify this policy at any time. Platform users will be notified of any material changes. FAQs on Account Recovery Q: Can I apply for jobs while my account is blocked? A: No, you cannot apply for opportunities through WorkWhile’s platform. However, you may contact partner companies directly if they independently request your services. Q: What happens if I violate the Attendance Policy again after reinstatement? A: Future violations can result in a permanent block, and exceptions may not be granted. Ensure compliance with all policies to maintain your account.

  • To avoid future blocks, cancel shifts at least 24 hours in advance through the app. If cancellation is necessary within 24 hours, submit valid documentation to avoid penalties.

  • Communicate scheduling conflicts in advance and adhere to all attendance policies.

  • Users who have already been granted a courtesy reinstatement in the past will not be eligible for another. Future reinstatement requests must follow the standard process, including submitting valid supporting documentation.

  • Keep the WorkWhile app open during your shifts to ensure location tracking remains active.

  • Sign any required on-site timesheets to verify your attendance.

  • Maintain consistent communication with your shift supervisor to address any potential issues promptly.- Notify supervisors immediately in emergencies and manage the absence in the app.

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