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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to be close to refusing to cover this persons job anymore?

14 replies

soandsosmummy · 07/12/2011 10:26

Someone left our company very suddenly about 3 months ago and they've not yet recruited to fill the position. Instead they've lumbered me with most of the work which includes lifting and carrying boxes of A3 paper, maintaining printing machines, montioring and ordering ink and paper supplies and teaching people how to use them.

As a result while doing my regular job I keep getting interrupted by random requests from people who can't change the master, have got a bit of paper stuck etc. etc. The machines get used out of hours and last night I got a call at 10.30pm asking for instructions on changing the bl**dy master roll.

THEN , I came into work this morning and found 40 boxes of A3 in the hall and was asked to move them to another room

AIBU to think that having being hired as an office administrator this is not my job and is actually an unfair request (especially as the trolly is broken and they wanted me to do it by hand)

OP posts:

WorraLiberty · 07/12/2011 10:28

I don't know if it's covered under office admin or not

Have you looked at your contract?

What was the job title of the person who left?

Scholes34 · 07/12/2011 10:30

I think you need to speak to your line manager/HR to find out when a new member of staff will be recruited to get a timescale on this. Have they even advertised the post yet? Has any mention been made of an honorarium for the period of absence you're covering? Now could be the time to ask, especially if you're receiving out of hours calls.

Original poster

soandsosmummy · 07/12/2011 10:30

they didn't really have a title - they just seemed to be responsible for the printers (there are 4 machines and when busy each machine can churn out 50000 copies a day so its a big job)

OP posts:

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 07/12/2011 10:31

Ask them to do a Health and Safety assessment perhaps a Manual Handling assessment or similar before you move the boxes. That should make them think. Then ask for overtime / out of hours pay for each and every call you get outside your contracted hours.

They need to acknowledge you are doing this role in addition to your current role.

OTTMummA · 07/12/2011 10:31

Tell them you can't and won't do any more lifting without help from someone else, or a trolley.
Check your contract, and if this new responsability isn't covered in it, then just refuse.

WorraLiberty · 07/12/2011 10:32

Then I'd do as Scholes suggests and speak to your Manager/HR about it.

Original poster

soandsosmummy · 07/12/2011 10:33

thanks that's a good idea. I've moved them and my back and arms really hurt as a result but next time I'm going to insist on an assessment

OP posts:

SenoritaViva · 07/12/2011 10:34

I would agree that in many companies those responsibilities would come under office admin. However, it sounds like your company is big enough to split the responsibilities. I would agree that a 10.30pm call is outside of your remit though!

I would ask to have a meeting with your Manager and HR and ask them what the situation is. A) What are they planning to do? If they expect you to simply continue then I would say you expect a salary review since you are now covering two jobs (use the 10.30pm call as a clear example). B) if they are a bit wishy washy ask them if they have advertised, where the recruitment process is going etc. And what they are planning on doing.

I would also bring up the broken trolley; it is not acceptable to move them by hand - they are obliged to send you on a manual handling course (although you might not want to bring this up, the course is DEADLY boring and not that helpful!!!)

I'd also like to know the job title of the role that you are covering.

DoesNotGiveAFig · 07/12/2011 10:34

I'd speak up too. You don't know if they are just expecting you to fill the gap to avoid paying someone new. If they are your role has changed and your contract and pay should reflect the change. Don't be a mug!

SenoritaViva · 07/12/2011 10:35

Sorry, X posted with everyone.

SarkySpanner · 07/12/2011 10:36

I'd focus on the negative impact that this is having on your ability to do your job. You don't want to come across as unhelpful - you just need to point out that it is not realistic for them to expect you to do both jobs. It will help if you can give specific examples of when an important admin job was interrupted by these tasks.

AKMD · 07/12/2011 10:41

YANBU. I was in exactly the same position for 2 years after my manager left. I got paid a bit extra each month for covering her responsibilities and was always fobbed off when i asked how recruiting was going. If I had known how long it would take them to get around to hiring a new manager I would have asked for the full manager's salaray or reverted to my job description.

Fefeffion · 07/12/2011 11:03

To be honest it sounds as if they are happy to sit back and let you do it - I have seen this many times in offices. Why pay another salary when they have someone to do it already.

If you are in a union speak to your rep and get advice before approaching manager/HR.

You need to document that you have hurt your back. Put this in the accident book and keep notes of new requests and the time it takes to move paper, fix copier or whatever - I know this is a pain but if they start pulling you in about tasks in your own job not being done you will have it all written down.

Good luck

PopcornMouse · 07/12/2011 11:51

I would speak to your manager and ask for a pay increase to reflect your extra responsibilities :o

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