Work Ethics

[Mr_Amazing]

Maybe ethics is a harsh word, but I need some feedback regarding a situation.

To make it simple, my schedule is Mon-Sat and I get Sunday off. Due to vacations of other employees, I was working on Sunday and getting Wednesday off for the past couple of weeks (it is on the schedule that I have Wednesday off). So, it is Wednesday and I have the day off from work, or so I thought.

Yesterday, an employee got hurt at home (something toe related, maybe broken). Management knew yesterday that this employee wasn't going to be coming into work today, yet they did not notify me that I would need to come in even though they had all day to do so while I was there. This morning rolls around and low and behold, my supervisor wants me to come in. Isn't it a bit wrong for them to do such a thing, knowing that they would need me to come in and neglecting to tell me in a timely fashion? What should I do?

Part of me wants to stick it to them for their waiting until today as opposed to telling me yesterday. Part of me wants them to realize how much they need me as an employee (only myself and one other person, the one who got hurt, are trained to do the job that they need me to do) as they think my position isn't needed. Part of me wants to do the right thing and go in because they need me. I do have errands that need to be done during business hours, so would it be acceptable for me to state when I could come in and work? Thank you all in advance.

 

[Robxcarlson]

You're right that they shouldn't have waited, but you're also not in a position to make that point.

 

[Mr. Scruffy]

Sounds like you'll be working 7 days a week for awhile.

 

[damooshki]

I feel that as an employer they are responsible to notify you in as timely a manner as possible, given the circumstances, of their need for you to work on a day when not normally scheduled. Given that they knew about the situation yesterday and didn't tell you till today, you have every right to not be obligated to go into work. Unless your "contract/employment agreement", if you have one, with the company states otherwise. Then you might be SOL. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Rollie Juddernaut Fingers]

Maybe ethics is a harsh word, but I need some feedback regarding a situation.

To make it simple, my schedule is Mon-Sat and I get Sunday off. Due to vacations of other employees, I was working on Sunday and getting Wednesday off for the past couple of weeks (it is on the schedule that I have Wednesday off). So, it is Wednesday and I have the day off from work, or so I thought.

Yesterday, an employee got hurt at home (something toe related, maybe broken). Management knew yesterday that this employee wasn't going to be coming into work today, yet they did not notify me that I would need to come in even though they had all day to do so while I was there. This morning rolls around and low and behold, my supervisor wants me to come in. Isn't it a bit wrong for them to do such a thing, knowing that they would need me to come in and neglecting to tell me in a timely fashion? What should I do?

Part of me wants to stick it to them for their waiting until today as opposed to telling me yesterday. Part of me wants them to realize how much they need me as an employee (only myself and one other person, the one who got hurt, are trained to do the job that they need me to do) as they think my position isn't needed. Part of me wants to do the right thing and go in because they need me. I do have errands that need to be done during business hours, so would it be acceptable for me to state when I could come in and work? Thank you all in advance.

We do this as part of ESL training, to teach the importance of register and tone in making a point, namely apologizing or denying requests.

You are correct in identifying their request as inappropriate. However, sticking it to people is not my style. It depends how much you want the job, and how much you really need this day off. If I already had something important (wedding, court date...whatever) lined up, then I would inform them that I would love to help them, just that their request is last minute, I am already involved in something I cannot get away from, or change.

However, if you had nothing planned that day, why give a day's pay? Your boss would really appreciate it, if you come in and help them out, when they need it. Just pull them aside and say that while you had no problem with this, and you understand sometimes things like this happen, you would appreciate an earlier notification next time. Also, mention how this would be better for them, as it would increase your ability to cancel any other plans and help them out, should such a situation arise in the future. Or just go in, do your job, and do not complain (people like it, when people do stuff without them having to ask, or making things akward for some reason).

If you can avoid it, you should avoid avoiding work that day. (that's a lot of avoidance). You should never give up a revenue-making opportunity. (that's something my dad taught me).

If you like the job, you should go. What do you think stands out, when they are thinking of rehiring? An employer once said they like'd me, because I went in every day.

If you are not missing anything trulley important, I'd go.

 

[damooshki]

We do this as part of ESL training, to teach the importance of register and tone in making a point, namely apologizing or denying requests.

You are correct in identifying their request as inappropriate. However, sticking it to people is not my style. It depends how much you want the job, and how much you really need this day off. If I already had something important (wedding, court date...whatever) lined up, then I would inform them that I would love to help them, just that their request is last minute, I am already involved in something I cannot get away from, or change.

However, if you had nothing planned that day, why give a day's pay? Your boss would really appreciate it, if you come in and help them out, when they need it. Just pull them aside and say that while you had no problem with this, and you understand sometimes things like this happen, you would appreciate an earlier notification next time. Also, mention how this would be better for them, as it would increase your ability to cancel any other plans and help them out, should such a situation arise in the future. Or just go in, do your job, and do not complain (people like it, when people do stuff without them having to ask, or making things akward for some reason).

If you can avoid it, you should avoid avoiding work that day. (that's a lot of avoidance). You should never give up a revenue-making opportunity. (that's something my dad taught me).

If you like the job, you should go. What do you think stands out, when they are thinking of rehiring? An employer once said they like'd me, because I went in every day.

If you are not missing anything trulley important, I'd go.

+1
This is good advice.

 

[BladeRunner001]

Maybe ethics is a harsh word, but I need some feedback regarding a situation.

To make it simple, my schedule is Mon-Sat and I get Sunday off. Due to vacations of other employees, I was working on Sunday and getting Wednesday off for the past couple of weeks (it is on the schedule that I have Wednesday off). So, it is Wednesday and I have the day off from work, or so I thought.

Yesterday, an employee got hurt at home (something toe related, maybe broken). Management knew yesterday that this employee wasn't going to be coming into work today, yet they did not notify me that I would need to come in even though they had all day to do so while I was there. This morning rolls around and low and behold, my supervisor wants me to come in. Isn't it a bit wrong for them to do such a thing, knowing that they would need me to come in and neglecting to tell me in a timely fashion? What should I do?

Part of me wants to stick it to them for their waiting until today as opposed to telling me yesterday. Part of me wants them to realize how much they need me as an employee (only myself and one other person, the one who got hurt, are trained to do the job that they need me to do) as they think my position isn't needed. Part of me wants to do the right thing and go in because they need me. I do have errands that need to be done during business hours, so would it be acceptable for me to state when I could come in and work? Thank you all in advance.

That's a fine balance. True: it was wrong of them to wait to let you know and
True: you can either go or not go

But consider this: if you go, they often think that you are push over and they can roll over you anytime they get into a bind. if you don't, you are not a team player.

As someone in a senior management position, I can tell you that I appreciate employees coming to me and letting me know about these types of situations.

If I were you, I would go but do let your supervisor (and his/her boss) know, in no uncertain terms, how you are feeling - i.e., they should have let you know about this in advance and that this lack of oversight has been disruptive for you as you had plans to catch up with your other errands...request another day off to make up for this...maybe the guy who got hurt can fill in when he feels better (and you will have your extra day off)

Cheers,
Robert

 

[Wendy]

Tell them you cannot make it, you broke your finger.

That is unfortunate that the company waited to tell you. I too would be upset. On the other hand I would go for the green, unless I had other plans that could not be changed.

 

[Mr_Amazing]

Thanks for all the advice. I guess it should be known that my employer (USPS) simply doesn't care about the employees. They make it apparent that you must live to work as apposed to working to live. The main boss (the postmaster) at my office essentially thinks I do nothing all day long and that I'm lazy, even though I hold off on breaks as long as possible, don't take a lunch, and work 10+ hour days. This is where the "I want to stick it to them" factor comes into play as they already do not appreciate any of the extra work I am already doing for them.

I will go into work once my errands are over and leave at my normal time. I will make certain to notify my boss/supervisor of the issues I have with what they did. Thanks for all the help.

 

[KarthVader]

I think you made a sound decision.

But know this: Employers aren't as cordial as they used to be.

Companies don't care about employees, especially in desperate times such as these.

I thought USPS only operates 6 out of 7 days?

 

[BladeRunner001]

Thanks for all the advice. I guess it should be known that my employer (USPS) simply doesn't care about the employees. They make it apparent that you must live to work as apposed to working to live. The main boss (the postmaster) at my office essentially thinks I do nothing all day long and that I'm lazy, even though I hold off on breaks as long as possible, don't take a lunch, and work 10+ hour days. This is where the "I want to stick it to them" factor comes into play as they already do not appreciate any of the extra work I am already doing for them.

I will go into work once my errands are over and leave at my normal time. I will make certain to notify my boss/supervisor of the issues I have with what they did. Thanks for all the help.

I do love the service USPS gives us...at least our postal delivery gal...very courteous .

But, treating employees wrong is what leads to bad service, attitude and customer dissatisfaction. It's all related and interconnected. USPS postmasters need to realize this if they are to limit turnovers and bad service

Good luck and I sympathize with your situation my friend. Keep a chin up and know that from a customer point of view, your work is appreciated

Best,
Robert

 

[Mr_Amazing]

I thought USPS only operates 6 out of 7 days?

They operate normally 6/7 days of the week. On Sunday, the larger facilities still operate and they send trucks with mail to each office, meaning someone has to be at the office to assist in unloading the truck. Regular employees work 5 days a week with 2 days off. That means even though you get your mail 6 days a week, one of those days is not your regular carrier (many of which make mistakes).

The debate about dropping the 6th delivery day really only affects postal carriers and their overtime pay. A 5-day service would limit most carriers to 40-50 hours a week instead of the 50-60 they are pulling down. Per carrier that is roughly a $300 saving over the course of 1 day (assuming overtime wages are $30/hr and they typically put in a 10-hour day). Multiply that number by the number of carriers per office and you are looking at $10,000 in savings for a medium sized (about 35 routes) office if that 6th delivery day is eliminated and even more for larger offices. That's $520,000 per year per office in savings multiplied by the number of post offices in the country.

 

[Amer]

If your boss already thinks your are lazy and indifferent, refusing to come in is not going to change their mind. The "stick it to the man" approach can backfire.

 

[Uncle Erik]

If you work for the USPS, then you belong to a union, correct? Go talk to your shop steward or union rep.