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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Let down by cleaner-really angry

66 replies

CleanGetaway · 31/03/2017 17:57

We've had the same lady clean for us for a few years now. Was reliable and trustworthy

Lately she has been leaving early with an excuse then saying as well that also has babysitting and needed time to get to next job. It was often half an hour so I said nothing.
Booked extra hours for this weekend (it's usually 5 hrs each Saturday) and she told me today (b short notice) that she cancelling this weekend as had an offer of work for more hours and needs the money ?

AIBU to be really angry and considering ending her employment with us ? We are booked in every week at same time so we should be the priority not messed about all the time

I'm especially angry as really needed help this week in particular so it's upset me

OP posts:
BeBeatrix · 31/03/2017 17:58

YANBU to be angry.

Perhaps, given her years of good service, it's worth the second chance of a conversation about how this can't go on. If she goes back to being reliable, win-win, if not, then terminate the arrangement.

Original poster
CleanGetaway · 31/03/2017 18:00

I'm irrationally furious. Have surgery next week so specifically booked extra hours and feel so let down and at such short notice

OP posts:
ChangeAComin · 31/03/2017 18:02

I'd have a talk with her and see if maybe there's an underlying issue as she's been with you so long but I'd be finding someone else if she keeps messing you around regardless.

MsGameandWatch · 31/03/2017 18:02

Maybe she's had enough of working for you and wants you to sack her? Sometimes people who want to move on but don't have the nerve to come straight out with it behave badly because subconsciously they want to sour the relationship so they can leave without feeling too bad.

Stilllookingforthestars · 31/03/2017 18:03

Five hours? Blimey. How big is your house?

NeonGod73 · 31/03/2017 18:04

Have you been paying her adequetely? Have you raised her salary during all these years? Nope?

Original poster
CleanGetaway · 31/03/2017 18:05

I suppose that's a possibility but can't see why..... apart from sometimes littlest dcs toys are a bit messy
Apart from that one always made her tea or coffee biscuits and pastries, if her day has fallen on Xmas eve or boxing day etc never made her work and still paid her etc
Increased pay each year too

OP posts:
Original poster
CleanGetaway · 31/03/2017 18:05

4 bed

OP posts:
A1Sharon · 31/03/2017 18:06

Why would you assume that Neon? I've raised my cleaning lady's pay when she asked. No problem.
Sounds like she wants to move on OP, talk it over with her.

Original poster
CleanGetaway · 31/03/2017 18:08

I get the impression the other client/s can offer more hours than us so she will always now prioritise them despite us having a longstanding agreement for a certain day/hours

OP posts:
ShowMePotatoSalad · 31/03/2017 18:20

YABU to be irrationally furious, obviously.

If she needs the money then perhaps she feels awful about letting you down but putting food on the table and paying the bills is more important right now?

She doesn't owe you loyalty. You've received a service - she cleans your house and you pay her. If they have offered her more hours of course she's going to take it. That's what anyone would do. She isn't indebted to you because you've employed her for years.

If you can't book her now because she's too busy with other clients then I would just find another cleaner.

DanglyEarOrnaments · 31/03/2017 18:30

As a cleaning business owner myself I find this very poor form.

You cannot take a booking and then book in a 'better offer' into the same spot.

Cleaning is not cheap and is a highly personal service for which customer service plays a huge part. This is unethical on her part and not a good way to run a business.

I would no longer use her service and look elsewhere.

It just lacks business ethics, we could all do that with the demand for cleaning services out there, but just because cleaning is in high demand you cannot just make your clients 'bid' for a spot and give it to the highest bidder. A booking is made in good faith and should be honoured. That is best practice for repeat loyal business from your clients.

I don't agree with what she has done.

Wishiwasmoiradingle2017 · 31/03/2017 18:33

I am a cleaner and being loyal and trustworthy is as important as being able to clean!!
If you need a replacement let me know!

Chloe84 · 31/03/2017 18:33

She doesn't owe OP loyalty but OP deserves more than short notice to tell her she won't be able to clean in Saturday, especially as OP pays her for Xmas eve, boxing day etc and doesn't object to the cleaner leaving half an hour early sometimes.

Courtesy should run both ways.

Chloe84 · 31/03/2017 18:34

^ to Showmepotatosalad

JojoLapin · 31/03/2017 19:08

She agreed to provide a service and pulled out at last minute, not ok... (+OP showed flexibility letting her go early so that she can go to another job, that would piss me off big time if it was a regular occurrence). Frustrating but don't get angry. If you like her, have a frank discussion with her that this can't happen otherwise you'll have to employ someone else whom you can rely on.

ShowMePotatoSalad · 31/03/2017 19:11

That's true Chloe, I hadn't thought of it like that before but you're right.

Original poster
CleanGetaway · 31/03/2017 19:46

I will speak to her
I think in all honesty this has hit me harder due to my plans next week and really wanting the house all in order and so that I had time to pack etc etc and rest a little and now I'll be cleaning as well! Not how I planned my weekend to be

OP posts:
Maryhadalittlelambstew · 31/03/2017 19:56

I don't think YABU to be annoyed but "irrationally furious" is a bit OTT, do you think that could be misdirected nervousness about your upcoming surgery?

Due to the length of time she has worked for you I think its worth a chat to see if amends can be made. Leaving 10/15 minutes early is ok but hald an hour is taking the mick so maybe that could be addressed when you have a chat with her.

Hope your surgery goes well, take care.

x

CremeEggThief · 31/03/2017 20:06

Please don't spend all weekend cleaning before your surgery. Put your health first.

goodpiemissedthechips · 31/03/2017 20:09

Agreed, don't do the cleaning yourself. Leave it if need be.

NoLotteryWinYet · 31/03/2017 20:11

post on your mumsnet local and ask if anyone can recommend a firm to do a one-off deep clean to get you through your surgery, then talk to her and seek alternatives if she won't stop messing you around. Letting agencies often have cleaning firms they can recommend to come in and do a one off clean.

BarbarianMum · 31/03/2017 20:13

Your opening posts suggest there is more than one person living in your home. Could mine none of the others do the cleaning this weekend?

I don't think you are BU to be cross but whether she is depends on what you are paying, what she's just been offered and how much the difference would make to her.

Original poster
CleanGetaway · 31/03/2017 20:17

£10ph

Yes there's me, dh and dcs but he is working all weekend and can't change that. I'd booked the cleaner as usual and then a babysitter for couple of hours in the afternoon I was hoping for the house to be cleaned whilst I put all the laundry away and packed my things and in the afternoon hoped for a little rest

I will do the cleaning whilst the babysitter is here. I can get it done it's just fristationg and yes, my irrational anger is as I'm anxious and also tired ! Trying to get over a cold before next week and feel like my life isn't easy !

OP posts:
Original poster
CleanGetaway · 31/03/2017 20:18

*frustrating

OP posts:
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