To tell them to F*** off and quit before the Christmas break?

[icyblast]

I’ve been working full time at a nursery for 3 years now, and honestly, it’s been terrible. I’m not sure how I’ve managed to stick around this long. I think I just got too comfortable. The kids are lovely, and I genuinely enjoy that part of my job. But the management / owners? That’s a different story. It’s a chain of nurseries, and all they care about is profit. The staff are treated like shit, paid peanuts, and they act like they’re untouchable / above employment law. I could share so many stories, but I won’t bother. However, this latest incident has pushed me and a few others over the edge.

To keep it short, the owners like to donate to charity (which isn’t a bad thing), but they’re not good people, and no one sees what happens behind the scenes. They’ve organised a charity event for tomorrow that lasts 3 hours and threatened us with disciplinary action if we don’t show up. We all work Monday to Friday (that’s what our contracts say) and won’t be paid for our time tomorrow. Plus, it’s the last weekend before Christmas, so naturally, most of us have plans or are going away. They only told us on Tuesday that we were expected to attend. One of my colleagues only started 2 weeks ago (already had plans for the weekend), and while our manager let her off, she basically got a warning and was told not to let it happen again. Seriously? It’s her day off! Why shouldn’t she be able to make plans?

The thing is, if they had just asked us nicely to help out, most of us would have agreed. But they’ve given us no choice and threatened to sack us if we don’t go! Then we have to act like it’s a wonderful company and put on smiles and act happy for the parents and kids. We’re going just to avoid the hassle, but most of us are now looking for new jobs.

I talked to my partner about this, and he told me to just leave. I don’t have another job lined up yet, but I’m fully qualified and have over 10 years of experience in child care. I’m not trying to be cocky, but there are so many care jobs available right now that I doubt I’d have a hard time finding something better. AIBU to hand my notice in on Christmas Eve and enjoy my time off?

If you get paid for being sick, id just call in sick for the maximum time you're allowed to have off whilst you interview for and secure a new job. Then take all your holiday days youre due as your notice period.

Before leaving I'd make a full and Frank statement about your treatment to the owners and list all the reasons you are leaving. I would write these down in advance with dates if possible. The reason being - you dont want them to screw you over with final pay/holiday pay. Id make them VERY aware you know where all the skeletons are buried.

Listen to your partner. You're working for nasty dictators.

Resign, do not go to the event, and report to your union. The childcare sector is crying out for good people and you won't have a problem finding a new job.

Do it OP. I've worked in several nurseries and wouldn't send my kids to one due to knowing how awful some are.

Do not quit. If you quit, you won't get anything else.

Do not go to the event, and make it clear you won't be going.
I'd they sack you, sue them for unfair dismissal.

To be truthful a tribunal is a lot of work and stress and won’t make you a millionaire

what? why would you think that?

it is a lot of work. But OPs union will help there. Frankly? it is always worth doing. Because employers who behave like this need to learn.

In OPs shoes i would tell them i'm not going to be there, and then just turn up at work on Monday and play it by ear. If they sack her? work your notice, look for a new job, take them to tribunal.

If they don't sack her? all good but look for a new job.

I wouldn’t resign. I would t turn up tomorrow, and if they sack you, sue them for wrongful dismissal

Yeah get out of there. I've been working in nurseries for 20 years and I've come across a few of these. The first one, I also stayed for 3 years. It was such a relief when I finally left. Please, for your own sanity, get the hell out. Especially if you have your partners support. Life is too short for that crap.

Email your resignation tonight, don't go tomorrow, and contact the charity that they intend to donate to and let them know that the fundraiser depends on labour exploitation because I doubt that they'll want to accept the money (I work for a big charity and we take due diligience around what donations we accept seriously because lots of bad organisations are trying to make themselves good by donating money). Copy your bosses in to the email to the charity for good measure.

I'd love to share anything incriminating with Ofsted ...🍀 good luck OP

Leave now, imagine how relieved you are going to feel to never have to go back there again, Relax and enjoy Christmas and then focus on finding work where you are appreciated. I have left a couple of jobs in the past and it all worked out in the end. Good luck

I wouldn’t quit yet, I’d maybe not go to the event and then see if they sack you like they’re threatened to do. This allows you more time to find a new job. But I absolutely wouldn’t be going to the event. Especially as they only told you Tuesday. Id have said at the time “sorry no, I have tickets for xyz” or whatever. I certainly wouldn’t go.

I don't mean to make light but... hahaha they are ridiculous. I work for a union. If your case landed in my inbox... well. I'd have plenty to say to your employer.

I reckon it's likely to be an empty threat, if none of you turned up literally what are they gonna do?!

If not an empty threat, I'd be interested to see the grounds for a disciplinary over this. They can't just sack you over this without a process.

Everyone saying to take a tribunal claim... yes, on the face of it, it sounds to me like there would likely be a claim (sorry I always hedge my bets a little without actually seeing the paperwork and getting a full account of events). It does take a long time at present. Doesn't mean it's not worth considering - do look at the time limits for claims.

Look to your future, whatever happens. It's not worth it, surely, working for people like this. Especially as you say when there is other work available to you.

Management are behaving appallingly OP and you are under no obligation whatsoever to attend tomorrow.
They are bullying you and wouldn't get away with it in an employment tribunal.
Disciplinary action and warnings??????
Their reputation would be in tatters if this came out.
Enjoy your weekend and Christmas break

This

Well, it's not in your contracted hours so they can't do anything. If they try to discipline you for spending your free time on a weekend doing as you please, then let them! You could potentially raise a grievance/ take legal action or whatever if it's a chain. They won't have a leg to stand on, not to mention it's completely unreasonable.

And yes, hand your notice in! I'm sure places are crying out for childcare, and if not I'm sure you could set up on your own as a childminder?

I'd let them sack me, then threaten them with an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal. My new 'job' would be causing them as mush irritation as possible.

The fucking GALL of your employer. I am furious on your behalf. Definitely do not attend, and yes it may be more strategic to let them sack you.

You have the perfect opportunity at this charity do.

Take the microphone and go 'Id just like to make a toast to the organisers tonight. Our employers Steve and Barbara. A couple of odious toads whom are frankly, the worst people I've ever had the misfortune to work for. They even threatened their employees with disciplinaries if they didn't come in today on their day off. Incase it wasn't clear, stick your job right up your tightfisted, narcissistic, fake, hairy arse cracks! Merry Christmas!'. Mike drop.

Life is short! On your deathbed you'll look back on it with joy. Stand up to the bullies. Let everyone know what pricks they are.

This is so true. These Private Nurseries do not as a rule care for their staff, pay pittance, try to maximise profits to the detriment of the children who attend and the poor staff.

Not a chance I would go 🤣 it's the crappy attitudes of manager Luke this that I can't stand
Like you've said, if it was asked of you Instead of demanded, I would be a lot more likely to help on my day off
Stuff them, I hope noone goes

Update on nightmare neighbour....
He's been warned, denied but worker said "seen and heard the evidence"
I have her removed daily but police still doing nothing (restraining order in place) but past 2 days since council visit all is quiet!
I want to thank each and every peron on advice and support! You've all been amazing when I want a rant

I even managed to go and get a haircut and my nails done (I do nails myself and hair was last cut 3yr ago!)
Sounds silly but to me it's a huge achievement.... I managed to put my bin out to be emptied so me going outside is a big deal

Leave, so many lovely childcare facilities looking for staff.

Is it in your CoE to be expected to attend such events unpaid? Not even sure if they could state such a thing?

As others have said, don't attend. See if they terminate your employment. Or, send them a resignation email this evening, but still don't attend tomorrow.

What CFs they are.

Don't go to the event but don't resign. Call their bluff and see if they sack you.....then claim unfair dissmissal.