To moan about how work have handled Christmas holidays.

[Yellowskies1988]

Work as a production operative, nothing glamorous or particularly satisfying. Anyway...
We work shifts. 6-14:00 and 14:00-22:00 This year is the first year that the company is working 14:00-22-00 on Christmas eve, they previously shut down early xmas and new years eve and used 1 holiday entitlement.

Back in may/June we had a draw, anybody who wanted time off for this period filled a form in and was draw out until numbers were full. Totally fair, although I didn't get pulled out I didn't moan.

Anyway over the last 2 weeks or so people have been putting requests in for xmas eve (my shift falls on xmas eve 14:00-22:00) and have been getting the holidays. I think this should have been works out again as to how many spaces can be allocated and re-drawn now that my company knows how many lines it needs to run. You can say well "you could have put a form in again" yes o could but I was under the impression that the first draw was final and if any more spaces were available this process would happen again so it's fair. I refused my proxy microwave xmas dinner. My £15 voucher has gone to charity and my good bag I refused out of principle too yesterday as they haven't shown the staff any Christmas spirit. I dont get why a food packaging facility needs to work this one shift. Its caused alot of upset and frustration. I'm really tempted to use the 48 hours quarantine rule that they insist you stay away of you or a family member is sick.

People will agree/disagree with me but to work until 10pm on xmas eve when the company has made no effort to even offer alternative hours (maybe offer a Saturday to make the time up)
Is disgusting, its basic factory work, basic pay, and it's a huge employer In the area too. Especially how they have handled the holidays post ballot draw.

@rowgtfc72 thanks for asking but it's pretty much fallen in deaf ears. HR told me to speak to my shift manager, which I did and he arranged a meeting with the shift oordinator who authorises holidays and also my (useless) union rep.

Basically I was told that the draw was a fair ballot, although I disagree as the holiday slips returned were only applied for over the last 2 weeks on separate occasions. I asked how was I in this "2nd ballot" as I had my first ballot draw handed back to me as unsuccessful. I was told they had a list of who applied from the first draw..I raised the question "well if that's the case, what about all the new starters since this first draw, obviously they havent had chance to get this holiday opportunity"
Pretty much got told "if I feel this passionately that this process was unfair and the job in general I should look for another job"
I was told the shift wont end until 10pm xmas eve and any line that does finished early for whatever reason then staff will be moved onto another line until 10pm.

At the end of the meeting. My union rep said to me "you dont have to believe all you hear on the shop floor" my jaw dropped at that point, aside from meant to be representing me, i had literally seen these forms dated in the last 2 weeks with my own eyes.

Also on tuewfsy another member of staff has been given xmas eve off, this was only on Tuesday which the shift coordinator said "it was my mistake I hold my hands up"

Basically a load of spiel in my opinion and I think l the work force will look for other jobs in the summer

God it sounds just like my place right down to the if you dont like it go elsewhere.
It's just unlucky that in our line of work we're very dispensible.
Dh works the opposite shift to me and dd who is 12 doesn't think it's very fair she wont have both parents for more than one day.
Enjoy the Christmas you do have, dont let work spoil that. In time honoured fashion, dont let the bastards get you down.

@Rowgtfc72 and to you and your family too. We work opposite shifts too but at separate places. If I hadn't kicked up a fuss I would go against my nature and go off sick but it will be held against me as much as they can get away with so what's the point?
Merry Christmas and Happy new year too

Were having Christmas today.!
I'm on a disciplinary for time off so went in after we crashed the car and fell off my bike as my face doesn't fit so I had no choice!
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and yours too!