1st Verbal Warning

Lorrs33

I've been working for Dunnes Stores <snip> since the end of July '06, so my 6 month probation doesn't finish till the end of this month. I've missed a lot of days due to college commitments, despite constantly begging my manager to lower my hours. I'm on a part-time contract doing full-time hours, especially now that I'm on my Xmas holidays. My manager actually confessed that it's the law that they reduce my hours but that's not how they operate. My HR manager called me into her office and gave me my first verbal warning, stating that if I miss any more days from then to the end of my probation then I can be sacked. She's putting me into a pattern from next week onwards (back to college), so I'll only be working Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and I'm terrified they're going get every hour they can out of me.

I worked six days in a row from the day after St. Stephen's Day, doing 6 - 8 hour shifts, yesterday was my day off and I'm in tonight. I was supposed to be off tomorrow but my manager asked if I would swap for Sunday.

Saturdays I'm usually doing 8 hour shifts and it's the only day I see my five year old niece, so I've missed her these last few weeks, and now I'm going to miss her this Saturday. My mam thinks I shouldn't go in, that they can't afford to sack me because LOADS of people are quitting. Another girl I work with is on her THIRD verbal warning, but she's needed more than I am. My mam offered to ring in for me, or if needs be, go down and tell my manager face to face.

Even if I do get away with it, however, I asked my manager about reducing my hours now that Christmas is over, and she responded that she'll start reducing everyone's hours when the hype is gone and people start showing up for work. It's amazing how much Dunnes get away with. I'm trying to find another job but it's not easy, and I might be buying a car soon so I can't afford to quit without anything else, especially with how expensive college is.

Any advice?

jhegarty

What does your contract say on hours ?

AARRRGH

From the Manager's perspective, they want someone who comes in when they're supposed to come in. You don't do that. So I understand their point of view.

It does sound like a bad place to work (I've always noticed that in Dunnes - the staff seem very unhappy) so why not get a job somewhere else?

TBH I think your excuse about your niece is lame.

Tom Dunne

Lorrs33 wrote: »

Saturdays I'm usually doing 8 hour shifts and it's the only day I see my five year old niece, so I've missed her these last few weeks, and now I'm going to miss her this Saturday.

Lorrs33 wrote: »

My mam offered to ring in for me, or if needs be, go down and tell my manager face to face.

FFS what age are you? Where is your priority - seeing your niece or earning a wage? Getting your mother to give out to your employer is the real grown up thing to do. :rolleyes:

Lorrs33 wrote: »

Any advice?

Quit the job, figure out where your priorities are and get one that suits your lifestyle. You can't have it both ways.

Welcome to the real world.

Quality

Dunnes stores have a very bad reputation to work with,I am not suprised you are having this hassle.

Personally I would start looking for a new job. explain when in interview that you are in college and that you will be able to commit to working but only on xyz days.

Best of luck

John R

Lorrs33 wrote: »

I'm on a part-time contract doing full-time hours

What exactly did you agree when you started working? If you were clear that you would only work specific days/times because of your college commitments and they agreed then you should insist they stick to that.

Even if they are pressuring you to work more hours you should not agree, if you agree to a roster and then not show up then you have given them a reason to complain.

Are you in a union? If so talk to your rep, if not consider joining one if you are going to continue working there.

If they are breaking the terms agreed to and are bullying you to work additional hours you would have a case against them were they to fire you or even if you felt you were forced to quit, although your case would be much stronger once you are out of the probationary period.

If you don't wish to go down the union route then bring a copy of your employment contract to a citizens advice centre and they should tell you exactly where you stand. It is best to keep notes of all your dealings with managers as accurate reports of individual incidents rather than vague recollections.

Going down the legal route is a last resort but if you find out exactly what your rights are then it is much easier to stand up for yourself based on regulations rather than irelevant things like wanting to see your relatives.

easyontheeye

sounds like too much hassle no matter what route you take to deal with this. Look for a job ASAP and get out.

I also agree with the other posters, not seeing your niece is hardly an excuse, its abit silly to be honest as would be sending your mother down to deal with your boss. start being more mature when it comes to work matters

cressy

I worked for Dunnes and they are<snip> However, your mam's advice that they can't afford to sack you is nonsense - if they want to sack you they will. Generally you are entitled to 3 warnings - verbal or written - not if they determine your actions as gross misconduct, which not turning up could be construed as. I agree with a previous poster - your excuses about your niece are neither here nor there. If you don't want to work then don't - if they ask you to change shifts and don't want to then don't change. You need to exercise some responsibility here - and if you aren't sure how to - then you need to consult your union. There is one even if you aren't a member.

nesf

Lads be careful not to make accusations please.

Slydice

jeez, it's only dunnes.

let them sack ye. move to another supermarket nearby if they do.