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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to not be able to cope with constant work rota changes (getting ridiculous now)

58 replies

alltoomuchrightnow · 12/12/2017 23:18

Now at the point where they are changing rota on the actual day I'm due in (for that actual day, I mean, but not contacting me about it )

I started as a Christmas temp for a well known large retailer. Before my interview I filled a form to list my hours/days I could do. They knew I had another job (ad hoc and can mainly work from home, but that's not the point) and they seemed fine with that as that's common for a temp to have other work. For the first week or so they basically stuck to what I'd listed.
I'm nearly two months in and now the rota changes most days. I have taken to photographing it most days but to no avail as this means nothing to them even though when I started I was advised to do this. When I can I try to accommodate them but it's not always possible, I'm not local and have other commitments, not just other job, but I have certainly gone the extra mile for them. I will often come in an hour or two early, or stay late (I'm no stranger to busy retail as had three decades in it, though am not used to a big store like this)
Today I arrived to start my 5pm shift, only to be reprimanded, why wasn't I here at midday. This has happened two days running now..as if I'd deliberately turn up that late for two days! I checked the rota that is pinned to wall...I am definitely down for 5pm start. I'm told that the rota constantly changes and that I should have been told the change (I never have in my whole time here). My point is, if I can't go by the rota pinned to the wall, and I'm not verbally told any changes, what am I meant to do?! Get the crystal ball out? I was talked to like dirt, as if I was a naughty schoolgirl playing hookey. You know when someone is listening to you and nodding but you know they think you are lying? (very fake body language) . I kept telling them I had photographed the rota daily (at end of day.. late at night!) and nothing had ever been said to me re changes. (occasionally I notice myself and question it but not this week as it's the same print out as it was weeks ago) I was then told to go and talk it through with the manager and the person who does the rota (to explain myself) . I did but I shouldn't have to keep justifying myself and it also made me late to start my shift. They were vague and passed the buck. (It is telling that the manager has recently passed doing the rota to a team leader as he found it too stressful). I was told that 'it's Christmas' (Oh really!) and 'everyone MUST work extra hours'. But I am, I've done loads of extra shifts inc coming in on days off, also work extra late every night, unpaid (not just me I should add).
I have been as flexible as can be and frequently changed plans and appointments but it's doing me in. And when I can't accommodate I'm made to feel that I'm a 'special snowflake' (hate those words but best way to describe it) as everyone else does it. Made to feel guilty. But I'm late 40s , the rest of staff are mainly school leavers, far more flexible and live local (I don't). I was only meant to be doing 16 hours a week , I said I could only do part time and I'm already doing 35- 40 for them so I'm hardly saying no to extra work!
So am I BU to not be able to cope with constant rota changes? But most of all, when I'm never informed.
I'm actually feeling almost victimised as they seem to be covering for each other, saying they told me about rota changes (even though they have not always physically printed out a new amended rota, or spoke to me) It's their word against mine and of course I'm the newbie.
I have awful anxiety and depression (although hide this well at work.. you wouldn't know if saw me with customers) and it's really getting to me... not sleeping, getting mouth ulcers (rare for me) and run down.

OP posts:
GingerbreadMa · 13/12/2017 01:09

Does it rhyme with fur broom shop?

Butterymuffin · 13/12/2017 01:15

Don't stress about whether they'll keep you on or not. They probably won't, but then you wouldn't want to work in this atmosphere long term anyway. So regard it as something you have to get through. As suggested say 'No, I wasn't told about the change' repeatedly. Don't take on extra hours, don't do unpaid time. You noticed all the ones with kids don't - you're being too accommodating.

Pluckedpencil · 13/12/2017 01:32

I read this because I work ad hoc doing project work for a school and they have started to ask me for an hour here or an hour there, with only the night before to lesson plan. It was getting ridiculous, for example yesterday, no mention of when I was coming in for today, so when they asked at 4pm for the next day at 9.39, I just said no, my babysitter is not available because you didn't give me the hours that you needed me. I am hoping it makes them realise I am not sitting at home twiddling my thumbs waiting for their call.
I have managed groups of temps, and i have to admit, the bolshier ones did better for themselves. They were not liked so much, but they actually got what they wanted. I.e. if you get reprimanded for being late when there is no rota change up, I would actually get angry and insist that until the rota on the wall reflects reality, you will be continuing to follow the rota published on the wall, because that's all you have to go off. But get a voice, don't be scared, they won't sack you when they need you at Christmas.

DSHathawayGivesMeFannyGallops · 13/12/2017 01:44

Think I can guess where you work. No advice, was coming on to ask if you worked at a 2 letter Sports fashion retailer or one of the brands they've swallowed as they're quite bad for not much advance notice on rotas in some branches. I've seen rotas for week 32, starting on Sun go up on 1pm Friday on week 31. Fair enough if your staff have fixed shifts. Bit shitty for those who don't.

alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 02:09

Gingerbread, Ivor is right re name

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alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 02:13

Buttery, I think they do want to keep me on, they have hinted at this (manager pretty much spelt it out, he's ok, he's leaving anyway so doesn't seem concerned about daily goings on)
Plucked, it will only get worse I"m sure, so I'm sure you will stick to your guns. In my place it seems to be a bit of manipulation (eg but it's CHRISTMAS! Everyone is doing more!) (no they are not ! but I seem to be!) and today I was told 'the district manager is coming in so we need you in earlier' (really ? why? Me, a mere temp ? I suppose they mean to make the place look properly staffed.. which it's not)

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alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 02:14

DSHathaway, no, but I'm sure we are not far behind that particular retailer

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HelenaDove · 13/12/2017 02:19

Are the ones with kids going to be in on Boxing Day OP.

I bet you are.

alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 02:31

I'm not doing Boxing Day (5am start for those who are!) as told them in interview what days I needed as holiday. 95% of the staff don't celebrate Christmas in any form

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GG23 · 13/12/2017 07:41

OP I strongly think we work for the same company, if not store because what you've said including someone high up leaving and visits from 'the big boss' sounds very familiar...

I've worked for said company for 4 years, I'm in a higher up position but not manager.

Rota changes are common on my particular department BUT we have to physically ask the person if it's short notice.

I see other departments in the store who do as you say and change them without notice and blame the employee.

Nothing much I can suggest because the managers think that they are gods gift and that no one should cross them....ANOTHER BUT.... they will comply with the rules the second HR get involved with a complaint.
Take photos of the rota DAILY so you can see a date and time that you saw it. HR will compare this with your sign in and out times.

Call HR and tell them your problems and they will talk to managers.

Do you really want to be kept on after Christmas? Managers often say they are 'deciding right now' who to keep on but this is a lie. We know from the start who's staying and who's going. They often say this as a passive aggressive threat to make you work harder and to make you do what they want.Hmm

Good luck. Don't let them walk all over you! Stand your ground. Flowers

LakieLady · 13/12/2017 07:49

What planet are they on? Do they expect you to go in at sparrow's fart just to see what time they want you in that day?

Absolute buffoons.

It makes me really angry the way employers treat staff on zero hours contracts and the sooner they're outlawed the better imo.

meredintofpandiculation · 13/12/2017 07:56

It sounds to me like normal life in a low wage, limited-hours contract world.

LunasSpectreSpecs · 13/12/2017 08:02

I think being contracted for a certain number of hours and being expected to do more is very common - my niece is a Christmas temp for a large supermarket on a 12 hour contract, every week she's getting 35 hours plus.

But the key difference is that she is being paid for her time, and rotas are fixed for the week. If she's in, for example, 12-6 they might ask if she can stay until 8, but won't expect her in at 9. It sounds like very poor communication all round.

Slartybartfast · 13/12/2017 08:13

Chalk it up as experience op. There is an end in sight. They are obviously badly organised. Just stick to the rota you have received.

IHateYourCarpet · 13/12/2017 08:57

OP, do they ever attempt to make contact when you’re ‘late’!? Surely they should be concerned if you haven’t shown up!

alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 12:47

No, IHate! That's what's odd! If I'm so called hours late, why aren't they in touch?!

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alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 12:50

Slarty, that's what I'm trying to do, that's all I can do, but it's awful being reprimanded and having to go to the manager to explain myself when really I'm the scapegoat for someone's mistake..then I have to start my shift feeling crap..

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alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 12:51

GG, I'm sure you are right, it's to keep us on our toes. Was meant to be told yesterday who was going to be asked to stay on , but not a dicky bird

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WutheringTights · 13/12/2017 12:55

If you're being paid slightly over min wage but not getting breaks and doing unpaid overtime then you're probably not being paid min wage when you take into account the actual hours worked. After Christmas I'd take great pleasure in reporting to HMRC.

westridingpauperlunaticasylum · 13/12/2017 12:56

Sounds to me like the person doing the rota is shit at it. A well planned rota should only need changing to accommodate sickness or personal emergencies and there can't be that many of those to warrant this behaviour. If people need to swap, it should be that, a swap ie so you know about it not randomly changing the agreed rota. And it's not like anyone should be shocked it's busy in retail this time of the year so they have had plenty of time to plan for it.

KeyBored · 13/12/2017 12:57

DS has been getting this too (different retailer).
'Why weren't you in on Sunday?'
'What? I wasn't rotaed till Monday.'
'We put up a changed rota on Saturday.'
'But I wasn't working Saturday!'

hamptonhangingpork · 13/12/2017 13:01

It's shit, it really is.

I know you feel you can't leave now, but I'd rethink what you'd do if actually offered a permanent role.

These places start how they mean to go on and it will really chip away at your self esteem over time, trust me.

That crappy sweatshop department store can't possibly be the only shop near you, right?

Mxyzptlk · 13/12/2017 13:04

Good point from pluckedpencil :

the bolshier ones did better for themselves. They were not liked so much, but they actually got what they wanted. I.e. if you get reprimanded for being late when there is no rota change up, I would actually get angry and insist that until the rota on the wall reflects reality, you will be continuing to follow the rota published on the wall, because that's all you have to go off. But get a voice, don't be scared, they won't sack you when they need you at Christmas.

You don't have to feel bad just because they try to make you feel that way.

Mxyzptlk · 13/12/2017 13:08

I work for a retailer. Its policy, if you don't turn up, is to wait till the end of your shift then try phoning you.
Not sure of the reasoning but I guess it saves them a few quid on paying you (obviously they get by without you, it's not life & death) and they can harrass you afterwards too. Smile

alltoomuchrightnow · 13/12/2017 13:22

Mxy, they say they're desperate/ short staffed, but with that logic they can't be!
Key, that's rubbish for him too :(
Hampton, no it's not. I've always been a manager (never want to again, mind!) and thought being a temp would be an easy stress free option hahahahahhahahahahha

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