This is my 3rd year of working in a restaurant.it.
Every member of staff HAS to do 3 out of the 5 festive days over the Festive period.
So three from:
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
New Year's Eve
New Year's Day
I do the three Christmas shifts and did NYE and NYD last year at short notice to cover a last minute staff sickness.
One colleague (Aurelia) sadly lost her DFather in October 21. And has said it's too difficult to leave her Dmom alone as Aurelia is an only child, there's no one else close family, so in 21 and 22 was given special dispensation to just work 2 shifts (NYE and NYD).
I understand that the rotas this period are a challenge to produce, but we manage. It's exceedingly hard work, but we knew the deal on signing up to work here. Each staff member sacrifices time with their family and friends but it is what it is.
Aurelia has asked for special dispensations again this year so she spend thistime with her mother who obviously struggles with grief at this time of year. She asked for this in our pre festive season meeting yesterday evening that all staff members attended.
But I know that's not quite the truth as her mom will be travelling to stay with my aunt (Aurelia's mom's childhood friend)
In Cornwall on Christmas for a few nights of company and support.
Aurelia not working Christmas shifts doesn't affect me as I'd work them abyway(single no children, enjoy the day and the enhanced pay) but I know there's a few other staff members making big social or familial sacrifices to go in these shifts.
YABU keep out of it.
YANBU, speak to management so the shifts could be staffed more fairly.