to think my son comes first and I will not be guilt-tripped into attending a staff meeting when he is ill.

[TheLadyOfTheGreenKirtle]

ds has a nasty cold, high temp and cough. he is very quiet and has been sitting on sofa not wanting to move. I work 7.5hrs pw for a well known frozen food specialist and we have a staff meeting today - new lines, mystery shop etc basically nothing new that a trained slug couldnt pick up. mil was supposed to look after him, but she isnt well herself and isnt up to looking after an ill child. my parents are a nightmare.

anyway, just rang boss to say Ive tried to sort ut a sitter but cant so will be unable to make it and he was really arsey. told me that i will be the only person not attending so he will have to go over it all again and I HAVE to be there.

short of taking my sick 5yo into the staff meeting with me I dnt know wtf he expects of me.

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHJHHHHHHH

lol saslou, i think you've hit the nail on the head there. he was so rude

YANBU, gurgh what an arse. It really irritates ne when bosses get like this, all you can do is say sorry and maybe come into work had an hour early to catch up on what you've missed next time. It is soo annoyig though, u cannot bear people who are incredulousat any sign or illness- as if it never happens to him. Don't sweat it anyway, he can't fire you and like you said a trained slug could pick it up (I used to do a few hours in a supermarket too)!

Hadn't realised till just now that this is outside your usual hours. If that's the case then I am not sure why he thinks you have any obligation to be there.

If I were you I'd focus on the fact that this is outside your contracted hours. I'd steer clear of saying "my child must come first" or "I work these hours because it's child friendly". Instead say "its outside hours, I have other commitments for those hours i.e. a sick child, I've tried to get a sitter but can't, I will be back in on [whenever your contracted hours are]".

minipie, yes, not even a day i work. i have attended every meeting/training session etc. this will be the first ive missed.