What are our rights?

troubleahead

Hi,

We've got wind today that we're either being put on a three day week or getting a 10% paycut. The company is small and obviously suffering a little from the downturn, like all other businesses. The bosses have a great time, driving big cars and going on various holidays while the staff completely run the place. I know the percentage our figures are down, however I also know the percentage that the business grew and grew and grew over the past five years.

Can anyone tell me if the company needs to be making a loss before they ask staff to take a pay cut or 3 day week? We think they are jumping on the band wagon, there are only 5 of us working in the company. Surely the little percentage we are down is only the cream off the top? I think they're jumping on the band wagon and Im truly upset to think that us staff keep the place going and this is the thanks we're going to get.

Surely company profits over the last five years are 'somewhere' and can take us through this 'rough' patch. Seriously I dont think they're in any trouble judging by the figures.

Love to hear feedback please thanks

tom

ntlbell

Depending on your contract they can't force you to take a pay cut

but tbh regardless of the laws or what your rights are

a company can pretty much do what they want and where you have rights they'll find a way around them

you can refuse to the pay cut but you will more than likley lose your job soon afterwards

personally I'd take the 3 days and sign on for the other 3

troubleahead

isnt it sickening to think that they're still in profit getting four times our wages, and making us take a pay cut. The thing about the three day week is they can only put a certain few staff on this as because they dont 'work' themselves. it would inconvenience them. So the ones thats jobs can be doubled up they're going to get three day and the ones that cant be done without will be told take 10%

annoying

jimmycrackcorm

troubleahead wrote: »

Hi,


Surely company profits over the last five years are 'somewhere' and can take us through this 'rough' patch. Seriously I dont think they're in any trouble judging by the figures.

Love to hear feedback please thanks

tom

And where are your wages from the last five years? Nobody runs a business by saying we'll hoard money just in case of a downturn, instead they cut costs now to make sure they can survive the coming storm.

flash harry

go start a competing business it's obvious that you and your colleagues run the show......

experiMental

troubleahead wrote: »

Hi,

The bosses have a great time, driving big cars and going on various holidays while the staff completely run the place.

If that's the case, try to contact your trade union to see whether it would be possible to fire your bosses. If they are doing nothing, what use are they?

While the boss is away, appoint someone as a CEO, by writing a made-up agreement and making the workers sign it. :P That is certainly going to cause a row, but it will sort the matters out pretty quickly, and will cause your bosses to do their work better.

mika27

In a similar situation myself and I'm also looking for details on employee rights when it comes to pay cuts. I've trawled through the NERA website and not found anything decent. Does anyone know the specific act that covers this?

Surely they can't just fire you if you refuse to take a pay cut?

troubleahead

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

And where are your wages from the last five years? Nobody runs a business by saying we'll hoard money just in case of a downturn, instead they cut costs now to make sure they can survive the coming storm.

You're obviously a business owner, My wages never went up when our company profits went up over the last five years. My flat wage is bad and I make commission on what I sell. That now is down drastically because of the downturn. It will come good again, I just dont see why staff (who run the business) should have to bear the pain, just say our 'bosses' take a pay cut they will still be coming out with a phenomenal amount more than us (obviously as its their business) + expenses + profits

Im just pissed off that they have no idea how to treat people who really make their business a success

jimmycrackcorm

troubleahead wrote: »

You're obviously a business owner, My wages never went up when our company profits went up over the last five years. My flat wage is bad and I make commission on what I sell. That now is down drastically because of the downturn. It will come good again, I just dont see why staff (who run the business) should have to bear the pain, just say our 'bosses' take a pay cut they will still be coming out with a phenomenal amount more than us (obviously as its their business) + expenses + profits

Im just pissed off that they have no idea how to treat people who really make their business a success

I'm just an ordinary employee but I understand all too well that if I want to do well that I have to upskill myself to improve my own lot. Flash H is right - if you believe that you and your colleagues effectively run the business then you should go out and start your own competing business. But then that's why your bosses are getting the profit that they are, because they are getting the rewards for doing what you aren't.

Ginger83

Hi,
1-you cannot be forced to take a paycut, you must be presented with a few options.
2.If you go on a 3 day week you can sign on for other 3.
3.If you feel as strong as you do about how you are being treated call the union in-as you say there are only 5 of you to stick together-bullying tactics do not work if staff down tools

troubleahead

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

because they are getting the rewards for doing what you aren't.

could you explain please? what am I not doing? and lets face it we're not going to open a rival business in a recession now are we. soft n all as its fallen on our business

troubleahead

Ginger83 wrote: »

Hi,
1-you cannot be forced to take a paycut, you must be presented with a few options.
2.If you go on a 3 day week you can sign on for other 3.
3.If you feel as strong as you do about how you are being treated call the union in-as you say there are only 5 of you to stick together-bullying tactics do not work if staff down tools

Thanks Ginger! I feel a bit better, will keep you posted when I get the official 'news' on friday!