Aibu to be upset about this work situation?

[user4583722]

I work in retail and work part time 5 days per week 9-2. I have been doing this shift pattern for the past 4 years. Before this I was working full time but after been diagnosed with cancer I reduced my hours as I get quite tired in the afternoon.
Recently a few staff members have left who were working 9-6 and my manager has employed two staff members who can only work till 2.30pm due to childcare. He told me that because of them having children I will need to swap my shift pattern to afternoons.
AIBU to be upset about this? I know a lot of parents request flexible working patterns but I thought anyone could.

Hmm after so long not sure he can do that. I’m a big fan of first come, first served. Why is it your problem the new people don’t have childcare. They shouldn’t have accepted the job if they can’t do afternoons / lates

You should be covered under the disability act for reasonable adjustments in the workplace following your cancer diagnosis and this should take precedence over people who need childcare. So I don't think you are wrong to feel upset and I think you should fight your corner.

I would definitely fight this if doing the afternoons doesn't suit you. I'd go to hr and my union. If they needed staff to cover evenings, they shouldnt have employed 2 people who can only do until 2.30pm without checking some else could change shifts first

I can't see how they can just change it on you after you have been doing that shift for so long without very good reason (and new people accepting a job without adequate childcare is not good reason).

Push back, so 'no this can't be changed, this shift pattern was agreed for me 4 years ago with HR for medical reasons' (or similar wording)

Push back, so 'no this can't be changed, this shift pattern was agreed for me 4 years ago with HR for medical reasons' (or similar wording)

Do this. Dont just let it happen. It's for your health.

YANBU. The fact that new colleagues have kids isn't your problem and if your contract/terms and conditions state that you work 9-2, you should be able to stick with those hours.

I'd say you've a medical reason to not be able to work later. Cancer is a protected characteristic, so if your treatment or illness makes you tired or unwell later in the day, then I think they are obliged to try and facilitate that. They clearly have managed to do so for 4 years.
What does your contract say? If there's a business reason they can claim that in relation to changing people's flexibility, but I'd speak to ACAS. If you're not in a union?
Have you already approached HR? If not I'd say do so and tell your manager you are doing so.

Yanbu, definitely fight this. Other people's childcare isn't your problem so they shouldn't make it.