Friday, May 29, 2009

underhanded


image by Steve Castle


A few days ago Bill was moving some vehicles using a spotter, but something went wrong and there was dent made in another truck. This was terrible because that same truck has been dented twice before in the last year, by two other employees, each time inflicting damage totalling $2,000 or more.

We know that this company has been looking for ways to save money on wage cost, so it was no surprise when Bill was called into Nick's office this afternoon. What was a surprise though, is when he took back Bill's raise last year - $10,000, effective next Friday. The guy actually started the meeting by saying that no one had apologized for the damaged truck, and then took away his raise. Pricks!

It wasn't just that, either. They've been complaining about everyone using their cell phones, but with the kids and our work, we need to stay in touch during the day - sometimes we have to talk about where Em is, or sometimes I need his advice about the house or the truck. Anyway, we compromised and starting texting each other and on his lunch break, he'd call me back. Now he's not allowed to call me or text me, which seems so petty it must be a bid to get him to quit.

This is a terrible blow considering the financial burdens we've had this year! He'll spend the next few weeks looking for something different - and I hope the competition hires him.

12 comments:

  1. Unbelievable - can they do that? Surely it's illegal to penalise someone $10k of their wages. That's shocking.

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  2. I agree... that just can't be legal! I hope things work out.... he does have employee rights, you know. It would serve them right if he found a job elsewhere.

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  3. That is a really awesome photo above. The use of the black filter is so dramatic. Hope things work out for him.

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  4. I think, Ms Storm, that is actually an IR photo. It is beautiful, though...

    When things get to the point that raises get taken away, the handwriting is on the wall. Time to move on.

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  5. Absolutely a prime example of unfeeling, cold corporate decisions. Also, sounds as if his boss is into a major power trip. Of course, this knowledge doesn't put dinner on the table.

    This is so radical I can't believe Bill doesn't have some recourse. So sorry Kate.

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  6. BTW---in the USA, sometimes employers do that hoping the employee will quit, saving the employer from having to pay unemployment. One thing to remember is that if an employer creates a condition that causes the employee to quit, the Commission views it the same as involuntary termination. Not sure if it is the same in Canada...
    I think a manager who engages in this technique is a narrow-minded, short-sighted ass that isn't worth working for anyway.

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  7. Oh, sorry...one more thing because I can't let Jaded's comment go...all corporations are unfeeling, jaded; THEY AREN'T HUMAN! But because they are corporations doesn't mean there isn't a right way and a wrong way. Managers (even owners) are human and make mistakes. Your socialist utopia doesn't allow for right or wrong, there is only one way. So I will keep to the freedom of a corporation that might make mistakes from time to time but at least the individual has the freedom to move on if they are unhappy. In socialism, since the state is the employer, that freedom does not exist.

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  8. Oh Kate - how frikken awful. Jerks!!! I worked for almost 20 years for a large corporation - was devestated when I was let go but the job I am in now makes it all worth while. I always heard the jokes about government employees never imagined I would be one (I was supposed to retire from Shell). LOVE IT!!!! Oh and we do actually work.

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  9. Hi Kate---I know its been a spell since I've been here-I apologize.I miss everyone and think of ya lots when I'm running here and there.

    Anyways, I'm sorry to hear of the trouble Bill's been having with his work.Your right though--its sounds petty and sneaky like-your assumptions are probably right about wanting to let him go-its like that everywhere so its seems, certainly here in BC.There's simply no jobs, and what their IS of jobs employers are scrimping with and down sizing.However,its never good when they do it THIS way, it makes for bad feelings when going to work.
    I hope Bill finds a better-new job.My fingers are crossed for you there:)

    Hugs from BC-xo

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  10. There is something fishy going on, Kate. Maybe the province needs to audit this company and their employee records.

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  11. Life sure is getting interesting for everyone. You'd think sooner or later it would slow down and people in business would grow some brains. Unfortunately that hasn't happened yet.
    If nothing else we all are learning to be a little tougher as a result.
    Things will get better, good luck.

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  12. Gosh everyone seems to be having a hard time right now. There must be some legal recourse. If he were to be let go, would he get unemployment? Sounds like the boss doesn't know what he's doing - surely he can get in trouble legally for this.

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