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Original poster

Now can't have Mondays off!

17 replies

HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 17:56

I work in a small office as legal secretary PA with another legal secretary PA and approx 5 solicitors, no other support staff. Have been there almost 4 years now, had a bullying problem with other PA (indirect) but now calmed down.

She's been there 20 years works 4 day week has Fridays off, I used to never be able to take Fridays off but we have a temp for holidays who sometimes does that day.

I've recently been told by my colleague that now I can't have Mondays off either (despite liaising with my boss) because its "too much hard work for her with completions (if they're on Mondays)" never mind that on Fridays I do everything (phones etc too) by myself.

The question is what do I do if anything? I do want to leave. I just know my colleague makes a meal out of lots of tasks. Sighes loudly when phones are on overflow and she has to cover them. Basically a jobs worth.

Thanks!

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Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 17:58

This is in relation to holidays by the way. I have spare ones, really take time off and don't or would not dictate when my colleague can take days off!!

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Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 17:59

Aargh rarely not really!

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Bowlersarm · 13/04/2014 17:59

Why do you have to do what she tells you to? Ignore her. It's been agreed with your boss, and that's what matters.

supadupapupascupa · 13/04/2014 18:01

i don't understand....how does she even get a say?

FunkyBoldRibena · 13/04/2014 18:02

You liaise with your boss and ignore her.

Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 18:05

The reason I sort of have to liaise with her is re holidays and not to burden her... We give notice etc.

She is so far up my boss' bum it's unreal, she'll go whinging to him re how unfair it is....

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Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 18:08

supa she's sort of Queen Bee and sees herself as linchpin of company she named herself "Top Johnny" on FB called me over to show me one day and said to me "that's me that is". Confused

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Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 18:09

The latter relates to where she works, our company etc...

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Bowlersarm · 13/04/2014 18:11

I am a little confused OP. Has she said you can't take Mondays off in relation to booking a holiday? (I think thats it?) Or you want to take every Monday off as your job package and work Tues - Fri?

SirChenjin · 13/04/2014 18:11

A Johnny is a condom - remember that Wink

Go to your boss, tell him what you've been told and ask if there is any truth in it - and remind him that you do all the work on your own on Fridays. If he says no, then follow up with an email confirming your understanding of the conversation.

If he says yes then you have to decide whether or not you want to continue working in such a place.

Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 18:14

Bowlers yes now been told I can't take off Mondays as holidays. I don't want to work a shorter week no Mondays!

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Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 18:15

Sir yes, I know that re Johnnys! Grin

I'll put what you say to my boss... Good idea. So wish I could leave now!

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Bowlersarm · 13/04/2014 19:00

But that's just ridiculous! Surely no boss would allow an employee to have to take orders from another same-level employee, about when they can or cannot take their holidays. Just be firm, OP, about your holiday entitlement. And get your boss on your side.

Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 19:23

Bowlers if its Monday to Friday 5 or 10 days then that's fine. It's the odd Monday she doesn't like. Which is rare but its preferable to me having a Friday!

I think I'll sleep on this then decide how to play it. I do plan to leave this year though I can maybe even leave for good (eg temp for a bit) after a loan is paid off soon and when an investment ripens.

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Bowlersarm · 13/04/2014 19:33

Ah I see. So if you wanted to take a day off for Christmas shopping for example, she doesn't want it to be a Monday.

I suppose it doesn't happen that often, because there is a limit to how many days you would get for holidays, but annoying for you as you can't have a long weekend ever if you can't take Fridays off because she does.

Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 20:36

Bowlers in theory round Christmas I could wangle a Monday off. My boss now has half day Friday and Monday off she does completions if there are any (money transfer only) and catches up from Friday. She was complaining re her not knowing about files or stuff from Friday.

I could easily leave her notes re the work if I ever took Mondays off.

There's a backstory with another temp, friend of colleague's and bullying claim this time last year. I know they talk and 10-1 the temp will have said "it's awful HelloBoys leaving you in the lurch when the boss is off Mondays you shouldn't put up with it!" The temp hates me and is vindictive.

I really need to leave!

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Original poster
HelloBoys · 13/04/2014 20:37

Oh I can take Fridays off if temp will cover and as she's paid well for that that's an occasional option...

It's a tricky juggling act.

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