O.k. where to start...
Prelude:
some might remember that I was ousted from my previous job on the last day of my probabtion without prior warning. The reason I was back on probation was that I had originally resigned because they couldn't pay me enough to afford childcare. Then they came back saying they could pay me what I required but I'd have a new contract as I had resigned with new probation period of 6 months. I though fair enough as I wasn't worried. However, 3 months being back we got a new boss. Had one or 2 issues with her but thought they had been resolved... so rather surprised when I got called in on the last day of my probation to be told family commitments clash with work commitments, differences in work practice, lack of respect (I dared contractict her on the odd occasion, how dare I!) yadiyadiyada and bye. Personally I think it's because I cottoned on that new boss isn't management material and also she hated the previous boss who I got on with great with a passion and also because I am very close friends with another staff member - gotta break ranks don't we.
Main issue:
Anyhow... as I'm still in very close contact with my friend and she told me that one of our other colleagues (also female) approached her yesterday because she had had a meeting with boss. With the words, 'your first year here is coming to an end' she was handed an addition to a contract that would downgrade her to assistant as opposed to consultant and she either can sign it or be let go! God knows where that 1 year thing comes from as our standard contracts all have 6 months probation which she passed. Surely if they had issues with her work they should have given her a warning and said pull yourself together and you have e.g. 1 month to improve or we might have to consider maybe a downgrade. But she was never given a warning! Also boss was going on about her not getting the turnover. 1) there is no stipulation how much she needs to sell 2) she does not look after high value merchandise but low end stuff so getting high amounts of turnover is a bit hard! Also the odd occassion where she would have had the opportunity to sell a high value item the assistant manager stepped in and took the client off her. That's what she told boss and boss said well he shouldn't have done that. But I'm sure he won't get a slap on the wrist for that.
Oh and the best part... they gave her 1 day to decide!
Am I mistaken or is this a simple bully attempt? Surely this can't be proper! I am waiting for her to call me to speak about it but my first inclin would be to say ... don't you sign anything! And get legal impartial advise.
Also the pattern that seems to emerge is that boss tries to get rid of all the people who exboss employed... so my close friend is probably next.
Any thoughts on this.
Hope it makes sense. I'm fuming on her behalf.