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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:
Ponderingwindow · 14/12/2022 15:34

My DH has the type of job where he might have to log in at an off time to check an install that is intentionally being done in the off hours. They are scheduled that way to avoid downtime for the company. You can’t take the system offline in the middle of the workday. If something has gone wrong it can mean being on for hours. He is well compensated for this and even he wouldn’t be asked to work on a bank holiday, especially not over Christmas.

If you are leaving anyway, just keep declining.

Nogbreaks · 14/12/2022 15:37

That won’t be possible, and Inwont be checking. Eom!

katmarie · 14/12/2022 15:38

I'd be tempted to reply 'hahahahahahahaha. No'. But it's probably be best to keep it polite.

Purple52 · 14/12/2022 15:40

Phone her at 7am on Boxing Day and tell her your internet isn’t working ….. make sure you say “sorry to disturb you, but it’s ok you can go back to bed afterwards”

or possibly even on Xmas eve/day - so you don’t have to get up so early!

yiuve already handed in your notice! What are you scared of?

Fundays12 · 14/12/2022 15:47

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 🙃

Well done OP. I think my response would be "Thanks I will be enjoying a lie in given its a bank holiday. However as previously stated I will not be checking this but I am sure if it's that urgent you will. If your still unclear about the laws around trying to force staff to work on there public holiday I am sure HR will explain it to yet when I complain to them if you continue to try pressure me into working at 7am on a bank holiday. I will also be discussing with them the unfair holiday allocation which has meant I haven't had a Christmas of in 4 years".

Good luck job hunting

portugalq · 14/12/2022 15:48

Update please @OatMilkLattes!

SnowlayRoundabout · 14/12/2022 15:51

portugalq · 14/12/2022 15:48

Update please @OatMilkLattes!

It's not a soap opera.

Ruffpuff · 14/12/2022 15:54

Flat no. Ask her if she's getting up early on Boxing Day to do unpaid work? No? Neither are you.

Wrongsideofpennines · 14/12/2022 16:03

If you're not working boxing day - because you're on annual leave or your department is closed bank holidays then you don't log on. If she wants this done then she has to find someone who is working that day to do it or she needs to pay you appropriately for it. I would be sending a message back saying 'Sorry I have the 26th off so you'll have to find someone who is working then to do it.'

pinneddownbytabbies · 14/12/2022 16:14

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 🙃

She won't give up, will she? If ever a one-word reply was needed, this is it. 'No' is a complete sentence.

I'd be tempted to say two words actually, with the second of those being 'off'.

MerryMarigold · 14/12/2022 16:24

I'm not sure why her holiday trumps your bank holiday! She can check it herself. I'm sure there is internet on her holiday.

oakleaffy · 14/12/2022 16:32

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 😡

That is so utterly manipulative of her!
I knew someone who used to do this...Would ask in a friendly way ''What are you doing on Saturday night?''..
And if I said ''Nothing''...would ask me to babysit {Unpaid}

I soon wised up and always said ''That depends..WHY?'' if anyone asked.

You have changed your plans, you have been invited to the midst of a hilly area where internet reception is dire.

Hawkins001 · 14/12/2022 16:39

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.

😡

I understand your perspective, for me, once it's completed then party

LazyDoll · 14/12/2022 16:41

Some good suggestions here but equally some overly wordy, unnecessarily justifiable half apologies. All too much info. Pertinent info only. I am on annual leave. I will not be doing that. Totally enough. No sorrys needed. No need to explain any further. End of.

Pelo22 · 14/12/2022 16:43

That's ridiculous
I'm on a less money than you and once had to log in on my days off for about 10 mins each time due to an access issue fuck up
My manager gave me an extra days holiday to take so I ended up with another 8hrs holiday for about 50 mins work

MysteryBelle · 14/12/2022 16:49

Your boss is awful. Since you’re leaving in January I’d be tempted to tell her she can check it and go back to bed after. Sounds like she’d love to provoke you into getting fired.

Ok. This is what I’d do. Tell her you’ll be happy to check it and take care of it. Then, on Boxing Day at 7:05, call her and keep her on the phone for at least 20 minutes explaining that you’ve logged on and checked it, and how it went, what happened, if there were any problems logging on, ask her how her holiday is going, leave lengthy messages if she doesn’t pick up and tease info that you don’t release until end of very long message. I would make sure she puts in at least 30 minutes to one hour of aggravation just like you have to. Keep your voice very solicitous throughout but also matter of fact. Be very professional even if she snaps at you which would be great 😀 keep us posted.

She is being very rude and malicious to make you do this.

Spudlet · 14/12/2022 16:53

What a cheeky cow. The answer is no!

I think I would be cc-ing hr in at this point tbh. Or at least making a phone call. Make it very clear that you will not being doing this to them too.

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 14/12/2022 16:56

Can you do it but ask for time off in lieu?

Runforthehills754 · 14/12/2022 17:00

She is a CF. I'd be tempted to tell her to check herself

SillySausage81 · 14/12/2022 17:01

Since you're leaving anyway, you've got nothing to lose so you could go all-in and say:

"Hi Manager,

It's unreasonable behaviour like this that drove me to look for a new job. My holiday is not less important than yours. If you don't think it's a big deal for me to wake up at 7am to do work on my day off then presumably you won't mind doing it yourself. Like I said, I won't be available.

Regards

OatMilkLattes"

NoAlexa · 14/12/2022 17:02

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 🙃

"I'm afraid that won't be possible"

HelpMeCope85 · 14/12/2022 17:04

I’d consider starting your new job earlier if you can! Save them paying you and just leave!

I’d reposed simply by saying ‘As mentioned due to commitments to my family on Boxing Day I will not be undertaking this task.’

what’s the worst she can do? Sack you! Fine call your new company and start sooner!

ivykaty44 · 14/12/2022 17:09

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

no your worth, you don't work for free. if the works important they'll pay someone otherwise you'll not be doing it

ivykaty44 · 14/12/2022 17:11

NoAlexa · 14/12/2022 17:02

"I'm afraid that won't be possible"

Show quote history

no need to respond - you've stating you'll not be working, no point in playing ping pong metal saying oh no I won't and boss saying oh yes you will

just leave it and be uncontactable

Cruisebabe1 · 14/12/2022 17:13

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’s really taking the piss……. Clearly you work for someone who seems overpromoted, delegates everything and doesn’t want to acknowledge you. Cc an email to her boss explaining the situation. You’re leaving anyway . Best wishes.x