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Original poster

Ridiculous 7am start on Boxing Day

436 replies

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:04

Hi, I have rejoined MN after a few months off.

I work for a large company in London and we have the 26th/27th off.

We were sent a handover a few days ago from our boss as she has the entire Christmas period off (for the 4th year in a row, meaning I couldn’t take the time off too, but that’s another story!)

She has asked me to log on to my computer to check something at 7am on Boxing Day. In the handover it literally says ‘26th Dec - bank holiday’ and then says for me to log on. I will not get paid for this.

Also if said thing I am checking is wrong, I will need to flag with tech to fix it. That means I will need to phone them and because my flat is so insulated, I need to leave my house and go outside to get signal. I will also have people staying with me so I will end up waking everyone up.

Anyway I am FURIOUS. What can I do here? I feel like knowing I have to log on so early on Boxing Day will semi ruin my Xmas day.

😡

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 14/12/2022 11:06

Just tell her you are away and won’t have internet access so you can’t do it

Original poster
OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:07

I already said that I was staying at home for Christmas. That’s why she’s given it to me clearly! She cheekily asked me what my plans were for Xmas last week - I thought she was genuinely interested but it all makes sense now 😡

OP posts:
DeltaAlphaDelta79 · 14/12/2022 11:08

If you are not being paid for it, then can't you say no? I WFH and would log on for work at 7am boxing day, if it was important/business critical, but I would want paying for it.

RubiesandRose · 14/12/2022 11:09

Tell her your holiday plans have changed and you're now joining relatives in a remote location with no internet access, then look for a new job in the new year!

Original poster
OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:09

I have asked if I will be paid and it was a flat out no.

I will add I am paid peanuts as a yearly salary too (26k). It’s not like I can justify it because I am on the big bucks!

OP posts:
Mumof1andacat · 14/12/2022 11:11

No pay = no work. Simple

ouch321 · 14/12/2022 11:11

Just say 'I'm off on Boxing Day - sorry, thought you knew, and actually have house guests to take care of so this won't be possible.'

FawnFrenchieMum · 14/12/2022 11:13

I'm sorry, as I have holiday that day I have made plans. We have guests, haven't decided if were staying up late and having a drink, or setting off super early for a boxing day trip to the coast. Either way, I won't be able to log on on Boxing Day morning.

ZenNudist · 14/12/2022 11:15

Can you escalate upwards as she is not here?

get a new job

mariahcareyearworm · 14/12/2022 11:16

Don't be specific about your reasons. Just say, sorry it's a bank holiday and I've made plans which mean I won't be able to work that day.

Shgytfgtf111 · 14/12/2022 11:16

I would just say, 'As I am on leave I wont be able to do that unfortunately' and leave it at that.

ZenNudist · 14/12/2022 11:16

Seen your update. Refuse to do this.

can you leave? She's a cow.

JassyRadlett · 14/12/2022 11:19

Agree - it's a very straightforward one from you to whoever you're reporting on this stuff to while she's off. "Hi - I've been allocated this task for Boxing Day but unfortunately it wasn't agreed with me first. I've got plans for the bank holiday that clash with this and won't be able to do this one. Best wishes, etc.'

Original poster
OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:19

I’m leaving in the new year (end of Jan)

Its been fucking awful the last few months and this has just simply topped me off.

Andddd how I tried to book Xmas off this year (first time in four years) and was told no as it wasn’t fair on anyone else - only to find out a few weeks ago that she had booked nearly 3 weeks off over the entire Xmas to go on holiday. I have to cover all her work. There was no discussion.

I am seething.

OP posts:
JassyRadlett · 14/12/2022 11:19

And then get your Xmas leave request in for 2023 on 3 January.

Floralnomad · 14/12/2022 11:20

RubiesandRose · 14/12/2022 11:09

Tell her your holiday plans have changed and you're now joining relatives in a remote location with no internet access, then look for a new job in the new year!

Do this

JassyRadlett · 14/12/2022 11:21

Your last message makes mine redundant! If you're leaving you've got absolutely nothing to lose.

'X's handover left me this task for the bank holiday. Unfortunately it wasn't agreed with me in advance and I'm not able to do it. As I had my leave for the wider Christmas holiday rejected earlier this year, I am unwilling to give up any of the small amount of family time I'm able to take. I hope you're able to find someone to cover this.'

35965a · 14/12/2022 11:22

“I am not getting paid so I won’t be doing that”

SamphiretheTervosaurReturneth · 14/12/2022 11:22

Then just tell her no. As a manager she can do it herself!

What will she do, sack you? Presumably your new employer already has references etc?

Email her back, copy in her boss, HR etc and say no. You are on leave, it's a Bank Holiday and you won't be doing anything at 7am in the morning other than enjoying the little bit of Christmas holiday her extended period of leave has left you with.

FictionalCharacter · 14/12/2022 11:24

ouch321 · 14/12/2022 11:11

Just say 'I'm off on Boxing Day - sorry, thought you knew, and actually have house guests to take care of so this won't be possible.'

Yes, this. No need to make up stories. You’re not at work that day, so they’ll have to find someone else to do it.

Chasingsquirrels · 14/12/2022 11:24

Agree with others, just say as you aren't working that day you won't be available to undertake the task.
Don't give excuses or reasons, they aren't relevant.

This is not your problem, and you are leaving so you don't need her goodwill.

Thatweredeadtightoncheryl · 14/12/2022 11:28

Sorry OP, grow a set and tell her absolutely no. what a cheeky fucker she is.

EspeciallyD · 14/12/2022 11:31

Just say no, I have other plans and am not working that day.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 14/12/2022 11:32

As you are leaving anyways, here is your chance to push back

"I'm on leave for the Christmas Break and as such, won't be logging on at any point on 25, 26 and 27. Merry christmas"

Borracha · 14/12/2022 11:32

Don't go into unnecessary details about potential coastal walks or late nights. Just say no, sorry, I'm on leave that day and not available.