My new boss

[Slytovhand]

And sometimes, my TL for defending what I see as the 'easy way out'.

We have a new Workplace Agreement (ie, employment contract).

In it, it allows for the Manager (and only the manager) to decide to 'designate' us as 'Designated Shift Workers'.

Now, I queried this with him back in early June (or was it late May??), and he said he'd get back to me, after asking the last manager (who left just shortly after this new agreement came in). Fair enough, I think... he also says he thinks it's fair - we sacrifice our social lives (and our health), so we should get paid a bit more...

He didn't get back to me

I chase it up, he says he needs to discuss this with 'legal', and I point out in the contract where it says "At the discretion of the Manager".. he still wants to clarify things, but will get back to me in a week or so... he also said words to the effect that if he could, he'd do it right now... I also point out new Federal Workplace Act sections... yep, we are shift workers! 'Legals' response is "We don't have shift workers"... /comment

He doesn't get back to me... I give it 3 weeks, send another email. He says he wants to catch up with us all and have a chat... still awaiting a response from 'legal'. 'Legal' says 'We don't have shift workers' /comment

I have a chat with my TL, and mention we still haven't heard anything, so she follows up.... and gets an email back saying "As I've already told him (me), we don't have shift workers. But we might review that policy later on".


Why am I posting here?? Cos the guy has proven himself to be a two-faced lying prick! NO, in my book, you don't get to say "something is fair, and someone deserves something, and if it was in my power, I'd do it".. and then go back on it later. You also don't get to say, 4 times!!!, that you'll get back to someone on something, and then the last time go off at them saying "I've already told you!!!"


And... now my TL wants to take his side in this, and say "He doesn't have to answer you the way you want him to". I'm sorry, I asked a question, I deserve (and legally require) an answer (esp since the last time I asked said question, I requested a reply in writing!... because I want that when I take it to the Ombudsman's Office )

So, this is my hate! 2faced liars!

[Nyoibo]

I can't remember, what is it you do again? And more to the point, do you have a union?

[PepperElf]

ombudsman?
is this military?

[Slytovhand]

Nyoibo - call centre for evil company (ie, takes ppl's money with no caring, and for stuff that should be free anyway!)

Union - yes, ASU... been in touch with rep (and have a meeting later today with her). But, she says I've got to go through normal grievance process... which, in the not too distant future, means she can be involved (it's a non-union place).


Pepper - "ombudsman" is an official body which is used to help resolve disputes. They are supposed to be unbiased, but follow the various rules etc to decide matters in the interests of what is 'right' and 'fair' within those rules. In this case, there is now the Fair Work Act (formerly Industrial Relations Act) which outlines basics of pay and conditions. But, where I work, they have a Workplace Agreement, and where it doesn't go below the FWA, takes precedence.

The issue here is that the WA states that it is at the discretion of the manager... and the manager has indicated he's in favour, and thinks that such a designation is fair enough... until now. So, the question would become - is that fair (to just change your mind on people as a boss)?