I need some perspective about my working conditions and environment. I'm really unhappy, probably on the verge of being signed off. But I'm not sure if it's me, or my employer is being shit. Firstly, I'm not suggesting that this is the worst job in the world or that there aren't worse employer.
I work for a large trade union, previously worked in the industry that is supported by this trade union. I work advising members who call or email for advice on employment, contracts etc. We also do some other legal contract work. Some of things that has led to me feeling so mentally unwell, most of which started when a new manage was brought in with a call centre background in the private sector:
-we must log every minute of our day. We have software which is linked to phone system. If we need the toilet we have to enter a code, breaks another code, lunch another code. These times are saved as well as how long you spend typing up noted after a call. I was recently reprimanded for going 30 secs over my break (sometimes I don't even take one!)
-there is a divide in staff, encouraged by management where some people who are mates with managers get treated favourably, and others not.
-we have had several changes in recent months, all delivered as a fair comple with no consultation. This includes a change to the way we report sickness, change to amount of time on phone vs email and other work, we are moving to a whole new building 3 miles away which has very little public transport access, the way lateness is calculated. If you attend a course far away and could have returned for the last 30 min of the day, you have to take it as flexi time.
-several members of staff placed on capability, even though the union has no capability policy.
-we have a strict seating plan, we get no say in where we sit. You cannot move to an empty desk without permission.
- the manager makes a note of who attends our own union meetings (as the one we belong to as staff). Manager has been seen 'spying' and listening into a union meeting without making it known. People who attend union meetings or challenge any changes, are treated negatively and told they are being unreasonable.
-some staff (ie the ones management don't like or see as 'troublemakers') are glares at with teacher stares of they talk to other staff - about work (we often have queries that need a little consultation with other staff).
-in the past staff have been shouted at like naughty children in open plan office.
There is so much more, but this is already so long. I'm looking for other work, but it isn't that simple. Many staff have had periods off with work related stress and mental health problems. But they manage to say that it is these people, not the environment. Basically the management buddies just say they think it's fine so anyone else is ignored.
So I is this just standard? I should point out we aren't a call centre with scripts. We advise on employment law, we speak to people who have cancer, who are bereaved, being made redundant, bullied at work, disciplinary.
AIBU, is this all standard working conditions?
