What you can do and how you can do it depends on your store. You might be assed out when it comes to your 15’s but not your 30’s because that’s the only thing they’ll get in trouble for.

For me, if I couldn’t find anyone to cover my 15 I’m just out of luck.

For 30’s, I would just say “it’s either that or hitting compliance” then be on my way as they realize they would rather leave the department empty then get fined.

For the end of the shift If I’m scheduled 40 and the other dude still isn’t there, I just leave or I will hit OT. If I’m not scheduled 40, I get happy or unhappy for the extra time.

Basically, choose the options that will get you in the least “trouble.”