Sunday premium rate advice and Sundays in general

TaraHewitt

Hi guys first time poster here but I have long stalked the threads Looking for a bit of advice on how to handle a situation. I work for €10 an hour, doing a 9 and a half hour shift 3 days a week. It suits me perfect as I am a mammy to a lovely 5 year old girl. Its not the best job in the world but it keeps my head going and it helps put a bit of extra money in the bank.

I have been in the job 10 months so far. Get along very well with everyone. I was told from the beginning that it included weekends I had no objection to it at all, my manager actually said she tries to give everyone every second or third week by rotating the shifts. Which she kept her word and did and I often got a Sunday off to spend with my husband and daughter. The last 2 months have drastically changed however. I have worked every single Saturday and Sunday. 9 whole weeks to be exact. While the same people seem to have every Sunday off the last 4 or 5 weeks straight. I can't help feeling I'm being taken for a fool but yet at the same time I feel I don't have a right to complain because I'm only "part-time" as they say.

I confronted my boss about the problem today and her response shocked me but more so, it made me so angry. I requested that I have Sunday off next week and said that I have worked every single weekend for the past 9 weeks. Her response was because I'm part time and the rest are full time and also that she couldn't guarantee it as they were so "busy". My shift lenght is the exact same as everyone else I just work less days. I put 100% effort in as much as anyone else shouldn't I be allowed an odd weekend off like everyone else?

My work contract says "Please note that the company has taken account of Sunday working within your basic rate of pay, which includes additional benefit for same. (Hourly paid staff only)". Can anyone explain to me how a €10 hourly rate includes a benefit for Sunday hours worked? In all seriousness please. Iv also worked every bank holiday monday since I started, again while others have had the whole bank holiday weekend.

This is such a long rant and I'm sorry in advance to anybody who has the patience to read it lol

gandalf

I'm assuming this is a retail type employer and one of a decent size with multiple outlets.

First thing to ask her is what is the level of benefit added for Sunday work? Don't be fobbed off ask her for exact details. Given the minimum wage is €9.80 I doubt it has been added.

I'd also ask for a copy of the policy for working bank holidays, typically you are entitled to a paid day off if you work it and in some places of employment they can include extra monetary benefit.