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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:
newfence · 14/12/2022 11:43

I think you need to acknowledge the posters, above, who have all commented and suggested that you just tell your boss that you cannot do it as you are not working that day. Otherwise, you're just here for a rant. Which is also ok.

Nosleepforthismum · 14/12/2022 11:45

If she’s an arsehole, I’d text her on Christmas Day to explain that unfortunately the internet at yours has gone completely down and due to the time of year will not be able to get it looked at before 7am tomorrow so she will probably have to get someone else to cover. Sign off with a cheery Merry Christmas and turn your phone off.

Original poster
OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:46

I’ve messaged her to say I have the day off as it’s a bank holiday so I won’t be checking it.

Her response was for me to please check it still and you can go back to bed after 🙃

OP posts:
Thedoglovesmemore · 14/12/2022 11:50

She really replied that? Good grief

Be firm

’i assume you aren’t being serious? As per my last email I will not be performing this task as it is a bank holiday- best wishes’

ethelredonagoodday · 14/12/2022 11:52

Absolutely no way. Especially if you're leaving soon.
I'd just say, really sorry, I can't. Thanks.

heldinadream · 14/12/2022 11:53

i assume you aren’t being serious? As per my last email I will not be performing this task as it is a bank holiday- best wishes’ AND I HAVE GUESTS TO TAKE CARE OF WHO WILL NOT APPRECIATE BEING DISTURBED.

Jaysis. The woman needs telling.

FictionalCharacter · 14/12/2022 11:54

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:46

I’ve messaged her to say I have the day off as it’s a bank holiday so I won’t be checking it.

Her response was for me to please check it still and you can go back to bed after 🙃

She could check it herself and go to bed after. You’re on leave, just as she is.

ninjafoodienovice · 14/12/2022 11:56

Just reply 'not a chance'

upfucked · 14/12/2022 11:58

I would reply with ‘As I said in my previous email I’m on holiday and therefore won’t be working.’

saleorbouy · 14/12/2022 11:59

I would refer to your contract of employment on Bank Holidays and log the hours and request payment.
If you can't be paid then request additional time off in lieu. Surely working on Bank Holiday is double time.

OurChristmasMiracle · 14/12/2022 11:59

I would say “I will be on leave on 26th as this is a bank holiday so will be unable to complete this task ”. No further explanation needed

35965a · 14/12/2022 12:00

She’s a cheeky fucker

SeveruslyFrazzled · 14/12/2022 12:00

Big cheeky fucker.

just email back No. I won’t be doing that.

TeaMistress · 14/12/2022 12:01

What a cheeky mare...definitely reply that as per your previous message you are on leave and won't be actioning this on Boxing Day. If you are leaving at the end of January there is nothing the cheeky cow will be able to do about it

Courtjobby · 14/12/2022 12:02

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:46

I’ve messaged her to say I have the day off as it’s a bank holiday so I won’t be checking it.

Her response was for me to please check it still and you can go back to bed after 🙃

Can you cc in her manager with a response that no you won't be doing that as you have already been told you are not being paid that day and you have it off anyway

ifonly4 · 14/12/2022 12:05

Tell her it's your day off, so you won't be up at that time. I'd need an incentive for that, either pay or an hour off another time.

lieselotte · 14/12/2022 12:06

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 😡

Doesn't matter, just say you are on leave that day and you have plans, so are not available to work.

LovelyLovelyWarmCoffee · 14/12/2022 12:06

Definitely don’t do it, especially if you are leaving end of Jan!
Just answer to her email that you definitely won’t be able to do it (don’t justify yourself) but as she pointed out it is a short/simple task you are sure she can find someone else or do it herself.

MontyK · 14/12/2022 12:09

She should check it. You're both on leave on that day and she is senior to you, so the buck stops with her.

And yes I would say that to her....

Courtjobby · 14/12/2022 12:10

MontyK · 14/12/2022 12:09

She should check it. You're both on leave on that day and she is senior to you, so the buck stops with her.

And yes I would say that to her....

Great advice here op

ValerieDoonican · 14/12/2022 12:11

If she thinks you can do it from your holiday, why can't she do it from hers? Ask her that, cc'd to the managers. Talk about entitled.....

FermisLeftFoot · 14/12/2022 12:12

God that’s awful. Can you forward this exchange to HR and ask what their policy is on asking someone to work unpaid on a bank holiday? If you’re leaving anyway i’d do it!

EmmaAgain22 · 14/12/2022 12:13

MontyK · 14/12/2022 12:09

She should check it. You're both on leave on that day and she is senior to you, so the buck stops with her.

And yes I would say that to her....

My thoughts exactly.

DogInATent · 14/12/2022 12:14

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:46

I’ve messaged her to say I have the day off as it’s a bank holiday so I won’t be checking it.

Her response was for me to please check it still and you can go back to bed after 🙃

Ask HR about the grievance procedures as you feel your manager is making unreasonable intrusions into your work:life balance and have been consistently exploiting their authority to prevent you taking leave over the christmas period over several years. Get the enquiry in before she leaves for their holiday.

You've nothing to lose if you're leaving anyway.

It's not as if they couldn't log in and make a phone call whilst on holiday themselves.

InSummertime · 14/12/2022 12:14

dear Mrs y
as per you request below- I am on leave that day and will not be working - neither at 7 am or in fact at any point during that day. My next day at work is ……..and I am happy to check it then but not when I am on leave
yours
me

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