WIBU to complain?

[IGiorni]

My DS is poorly today and off school. I rang work and apologised that I couldn’t go in and explained why. Deputy manager said “Is he? Riiight...” then nothing else. I responded with “Yes, he’s off school with a stomach bug.” She said “Right” again then silence... so I was like “Ok, bye!” and she just put the phone down. I’ve had no time off at all before this, I’m always early and do lots of overtime so it’s not as though I take the piss and fancy a long weekend every so often. Other staff have been spoken to in a similar way before. I appreciate it’s hard to cover when staff are off but a little bit of empathy goes a long way and I think it’s unprofessional. Would you say something?

Her communication sounds a bit rough, but she didn't snap at you or try to pressure you to come, so I don't know what you'd be complaining about.

Not much you can say as she hasn't actually done anything wrong on paper. She sounds like a cold person with no compassion or understanding but she is within her rights to not care about other people's kids unfortunately.

No I suppose you’re right, I just thought she was a bit rude and it completely goes against the nature of my workplace. Ah well

I would probs email manager,starting with "further to our telephone conversation apologising for absence but legally you have the right to unpaid leave for dependents and it could not be helped. You anticipate to return on next working day. Keeps it professional and a written record.

Good idea, thank you.

Check out

www.gov.uk/time-off-for-dependants

Stroppy cow

Also given that it’s supposed to be a cracking day and weekend perhaps you’re not the first to call in this morning to say they’re not coming in for whatever reason.

Team I used to work with you could guarantee at least three people would call in with child issues on a glorious day, typically a Friday or a Monday.

Sadly the people who take the piss make it harder for the genuine ones when they need the time off.

Just curious OP but what would you have preferred her to say? I've been in your managers shoes and tbh when someone phones up and says "I wont be in - little jonny is ill" there isn't a lot else to say other than "OK" as your mind is racing at 100mph wondering who will cover the work!

It was hard to get across in my OP but it was a very disbelieving tone, I think it’s that that’s annoyed me more than anything. Given that it’s a nursery, I just think she’d be a bit more friendly about it. The actual manager is always really nice about things like that, just a ‘thanks for letting us know, I hope he feels better soon’ kind of thing would have been nice rather than me now feeling guilty and as though she’s a bit pissed off with me. I’m probably overthinking.

What did she do that was complain worthy though other than not ask how he is?