Message #61993

[raindance]

I quite agree with the response you have had from MissLynn.

I know it sounds brutal, but a good maxim to adopt is: if it's not your story - stay out of it, or, more elegantly, if this lady does not report to you then it is unwise to repeat things that she says to you (unless you hear something that is criminal such as her boss fakes his expenses claims every month).  

I think your co-worker made a mistake in confiding in you, but perhaps she was merely taking soundings and seeking your views before taking this to her boss. Actually, if you had waited for this lady to approach her boss, then he might have gone to his boss (your boss) and achieved what you want to have (paid overtime) without you having to lift a finger or speak a word.

I wouldn't email anyone if I were you. Sending emails can seem a little bit cold and "distant".  You heard something and passed it on to your boss; there are always consequences to our actions, and we may not appreciate those consequences.  

You could drop this entire thing and wait for the clouds to clear, so to speak, but
what I would do in your position is to mend some fences.  First, you could go to this lady and say that you are sorry for what has happened; that you actually meant some good to come out of this, but the opposite appears to have happened and you wish to work well with her etc etc.  Next, you can go to your boss and say much the same thing.  We all make mistakes and, unless these people are completely heartless, they will accept your explanation.