Is this fair

[Pulledeverywhichway]

I am a Dr’s receptionist (a really nice one, not a gatekeeping dragon), i work in a small team, three morning/early afternoon staff and one receptionist who works early afternoon to evening. When she takes annual leave we three morning staff take it in turns to cover. One of the team works more flexible hours than the other two, of which i am one. So when she covers, she just switches her hours about. When my other colleague covers she changes her hours from morning shift to evening shift and is permitted to do this as she doesn’t have use of a car and has a 25/30 minute walk each way. When i cover i have to come in in the morning, work three or four hours, go home and then come in for the afternoon/evening shift. I drive. This system has been in place for years and the Practice Manager will not change it as she is concerned the two other morning staff will up and leave (and they know this). I have worked there several years but not as long as them. I feel this is very unfair. I wouldn’t mind doing the extra work if we all did it but i am definitely taken advantage of because I drive. When i have asked the PM why colleague x is allowed she just says ‘poor x has to walk’. Any thoughts on how to get a fairer deal for myself?

Well yes they are taking advantage of you. Would you consider looking for another job? I’m not sure you can force fairness , she is showing favouritism and a small workplace makes this worse as you’re working alongside these other women.

The thing is, most people when they feel are being treated unfairly at work, jump ship.

your workplace are only continuing to treat you like this cause you let them. If they had to rehire for your role, chances are that this pattern may be seen as undesirable, so cream of the crop candidates won’t be interested.

I think you need to decide how far you're willing to push this. It's clear that 'change things or I walk' is the only thing that's going to get some action here. But a) you need to be able to follow through and leave if they still refuse and b) no-one likes having their hand forced, so you need to be prepared that you might create a bad atmosphere that makes you want to leave anyway, even if you 'win'.

If it's a good job overall and you can manage those few days with a bit of an internal grumble, then you might want to hang in there.

Is it fair? No. But bad managers rarely change their ways, and it sounds like you're tried the calm discussion path already.

Are you contractually obliged to do the extra hours when your colleague is on annual leave?

If not, let them know its not worth the petrol/time and that you won't be able to do it unless <insert your conditions>

Where i think your line manager is a dumbass is:
A. surely the afternoon shift person could just do a morning shift when you need to be an evening and on that basis...
I would tell them you arent doing it you'll do two consecutive shifts but not on-off-on
B. Shes literally told you she thinks you'll put up with this nonsense but she wouldnt dare do it to the others!?!

I'd suggest my solution above - if she declines i would tell her straight you are deeply unhappy and will be starting look for new employement of it isnt remedied.

You then have a few choices... which include not coming in for the shifts.

Caveat:.given how part time this job is I assume you dont really need the cash

Why is the PM not concerned that you will up and leave?

Replacing you with a newcomer who is less likely to accept an unfair status quo is a bigger headache for her than you insisting on change. She has been relying on you NOT working this out.

Do you get paid more as you are then working more hours?

Surely it’s only a handful of days a year? If you don’t really mind it other than other people not doing it is it worth rocking boat for?