Anyone online who can answer a work-related question?

HopingForOne · February 2009

I got home late tonight and there was a message from my boss on the phone (I work in retail...well, that's one of my jobs)

He said that "Sarah" doesn't want to work tomorrow morning (she's scheduled all day) and that she'd like me to cover her shift. He said to call Sarah at work to let her know if I can.

I didn't get the message until WAY after the store was closed. He left no other number for me to call her, and it's way too late to call his house.

Sarah is supposed to open to store tomorrow.

I can NOT cover her shift...do you think that because she didn't talk to me, she'll show up? And if she doesn't, is there ANY way I can get in trouble for not coming in?

I covered her Saturday morning last week, and I admit, I'm resenting the fact that it's the second week in a row I've been called and asked last-minute to cover a shift for someone because she wants to go out partying the night before. Gah.

oh-zysbaby · February 2009

You're clear. If she doesn't show up it's her own problem. You couldn't do anything about it.

nikkifudgestick · February 2009

I worked at a grocery store for a few years as a cashier, and if your situation happened, Sarah would be the one in trouble, not me. Bottom line. I hope that's how it is with you!

SarahScott08 · February 2009

Personally, I would say you're safe because they never confirmed with you. Do you happen to have her number to call her and be sure she knows?

nerdsbride · February 2009

If you aren't scheduled, then you aren't responsible to cover that shift. If she gets an agreement from you to cover it, that transfers responsibility. Until that point...it's her problem.

crownedbee · February 2009

You can't be held accountable for her shift since you never spoke to anyone about it. Just because your boss left a message on your answering machine doesn't mean you're automatically scheduled for that shift.

If she doesn't show up it's not YOUR fault. When I was a manager, I personally called several people and left messages if I needed a shift covered, just to maximize the potential for it to be taken care of. If nobody called back, I assumed the person who was originally scheduled was responsible.

There's no way for your boss to know you ever even heard the message, let alone hold you responsible for the shift.

HopingForOne · February 2009

I don't have her number.

I was thinking what you ladies said - that since I'm not scheduled, it's not my responsibility.

Last week, when I covered it, she was an hour late to relieve me. So even if I WAS free...I'd still be tempted to say no . But that's no the point - the point is I'm busy with a community event that I can't miss!

As a side note, I hate last-minute requests to cover shifts when the problem ISN'T last minute. Sickenss? Fine. "Oh, I have this party tonight"? Bugs me. My life is busy, and I like things being scheduled in advance.

nikkifudgestick · February 2009

HopingForOne:

I don't have her number.

I was thinking what you ladies said - that since I'm not scheduled, it's not my responsibility.

Last week, when I covered it, she was an hour late to relieve me. So even if I WAS free...I'd still be tempted to say no . But that's no the point - the point is I'm busy with a community event that I can't miss!

As a side note, I hate last-minute requests to cover shifts when the problem ISN'T last minute. Sickenss? Fine. "Oh, I have this party tonight"? Bugs me. My life is busy, and I like things being scheduled in advance.

Here here.

HopingForOne · February 2009

Crown - it's actually a fluke that I did even get the message! I rarely check the answering machine late at night. I kinda wish I hadn't, because at least I wouldn't be worrying now!

HopingForOne · February 2009

Nikki - some people call me inflexible, but I'm glad it's not just me!

I mean, I have a baby on the way and there's lots to do, you know?

crownedbee · February 2009

I learned quickly in retail not to cover shifts. It's every man for himself out there, apparently. I was (for awhile) always the one who would cover a shift, until I got yelled at for going into overtime and the favor never got repaid.

If you can't learn how to ask for the time off before the schedule goes up, you should be responsible for finding coverage for your shift or sucking it up and working.

As you said, emergencies are different. But it's really fvcked up when somebody 'needs' the time off because they got invited to a party.

Priorities people.

rachi · February 2009

You should be fine.

If your boss gets mad at you he/she is an idiot. You are in no way obligated to show up if you did not already agree to it.

If she (the other employee) didn't hear from you by the time the store closed she should have called you.

It's her ass. I wouldn't worry about it.

nikkifudgestick · February 2009

HopingForOne:
Nikki - some people call me inflexible, but I'm glad it's not just me!

I mean, I have a baby on the way and there's lots to do, you know?

Ha, I have no baby on the way, and I don't really have THAT much to do. I just like it my way. Yes

HopingForOne · February 2009

I hear you about favours not being repaid. Ulgh.

I've had problems at my other job too, just with the short notice. "Hi, we need you today at 1:00 instead of 5:00". Uh, it's 12 now...I need to wash my uniform...and get dressed...and eat...and shower...and I live 30 minutes away...not gonna happen...

crownedbee · February 2009

Ya'know, it's always a double edge sword too. You think you're doing the right thing by covering shifts when they are needed. Obviously the managers see you're willing to put forth 110%. But when it comes time to get that promotion, you don't get it because "you're just too valuable where you are."

Kinda pisses me off how people who work the hardest are always the ones who get the shaft.

HopingForOne · February 2009

RACHI!!! How are you? Is Chaz doing well? He's adorable!

Nikki - yeah, I'm trying to make excuses. I hate being called in last-minute even when I have nothing important to do. I just like schedules...

HopingForOne · February 2009

I really, really didn't want to return to this job after maternity leave. I just hate it, and I was hoping to get enough hours with my actual career job (Dental Hygiene). Partly for my sanity, and partly because I hate going to work one job at 9+ bucks an hour when I COULD be making 30 at my other job, you know.

Unfortunately, my dental job isn't taking me back after maternity leave

rachi · February 2009

HopingForOne:
RACHI!!! How are you? Is Chaz doing well? He's adorable!

I am doing good. Chaz is doing wonderful. He is back up to his birth weight and eating like a champ. Thank you!

How are you doing?

HopingForOne · February 2009

I'm doing good. I think the morning sickness MAY have finally left me!!! And I can feel the baby kicking like crazy...sometimes...other times she's lazy as hell, lol!!!

Did you post a birth story anywhere? I don't want to miss it - I know he came a bit early and surprised you all!

rachi · February 2009

Well yay for morning sickness bieing gone. I am SO glad I never got it too bad with this pregnancy. Ooooh I miss the baby kicks!

I haven't yet. I have had very limited internet access since he got home. I will hopefully post one in my blog this weekend.

HopingForOne · February 2009

I am envious of anyone without morning sickness. But I'm thankful that at least both of my jobs were pretty good about it!

I look forward to reading your birth story. I'm obsessed with reading birth stories right now...I'm a freak...but I think I've finally stopped being afraid of child birth and am instead looking forward to it, so maybe that's why!

anhella · February 2009

If this situation happened with my employees, I would hold Sarah accoutable. And another note, I make all my employees find their own coverage for shifts they "don't want".

If you are super worried, maybe you call in the AM and give them a heads-up.

KK2004 · February 2009

nikkifudgestick:
I worked at a grocery store for a few years as a cashier, and if your situation happened, Sarah would be the one in trouble, not me. Bottom line. I hope that's how it is with you!

Ditto! Besides, your boss has to know that you have a life and don't hang out in front of your answering machine. You got the message too late and couldn't do it. Sarah needs to be more responsible if she wants the job.

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