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How to cope with autocratic management and get a lunch break

5 replies

Iearn4pabovetheminimumwage · 24/11/2020 18:45

We have a new broom who has swept away a more democratic way of working. A decision is made and we have to comply. Some staff just don't do it. I'm a conformist so do what I'm told. I've told my line manager, who is one level down from the new broom, that it's just doesn't work and I get told that's the way it has to be.
For example today we have to monitor 2 groups of 'n' people over a 1 hour lunch break. I can't go into details as it's outing. There are 5 staff available to do this, but the lunch break for the 2 groups didn't coincide they were one after another so there were only 2 staff available to monitor. Now this group of 'n' people quite legitimately split into 2 groups, my colleague monitored one group who were staying put, I monitored another group who had freedom to move in and out of the building in a different location. I had to do this in a corridor. So here is the crux of the problem I had to have my lunch standing in a corridor, moving the people from one place to another (wearing gloves, going through coded doors, then whipping the gloves off to have my sarnies). I've said before it's not fair we don't get a break, we can't have lunch in a corridor. I'm told that's the way it is. This is a change to enable social- distancing. The person who has decided this is the way we have to do it has never done the job and is seemingly not open to suggestions for tweaking the way it is done. I'm sure she will get an award/bonus whatever for sorting it in a Covid compliant way, never mind I don't get a break in an 8 or 9 hour day!

OP posts:
LouiseTrees · 24/11/2020 23:31

Go above her head. Do you work on a school though?

Iearn4pabovetheminimumwage · 25/11/2020 07:00

Not a school, a public sector organisation. Management are inept at all levels. If the line manager managed the team then it may be possible some days to cover lunch breaks but they have a Laissez-faire approach, they are off site and let people (men!) get a way with being lazy. In the last couple of weeks I've worked with women and we have just about managed by helping each other.
Management come up with this Covid compliant way of working without without input from the people who do the job. Who all either say it can't work or simply don't do it.
If we put our concerns in writing we are bullied. Sent to different sites when travel and contact should be minimised. They are a nasty vindictive bunch!

OP posts:
LouiseTrees · 25/11/2020 08:50

Leak to the papers but use a different locational site that you know has multiple buildings “ Sexist bosses make women lunch monitors forgo lunch” . Then basically they might get told they need to avoid what happened at that other location.

Margaritatime · 26/11/2020 10:54

If you are public sector I would find the policy regarding breaks I.e. 20 minute break for 6 hours work and gently point it out. You could also suggest you either take your break before or after the group you are supervising.
If they refuse ask for a copy of the health and safety risk assessment as they have a duty of care which includes allowing you to take rest breaks.

MotherExtraordinaire · 26/11/2020 22:06

Legally, for your lunch break, you can do what you wish, where you wish. So I'd come on bright and breezy in the morning, saying what time is convenient for you to take lunch as you will be going offsite.

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