Problems while working retail

mideli0410 · December 2014

I recently told the store manager and assistant manager(who makes the schedules) that I was pregnant. That entails no longer doing floorsets until 2:00am in the morning as well as the usual not lifting heavy things or engaging in anything that requires balance, as stated by my doctor. When I broke the news, I told them that in two weeks (I told them the specific date) I was having a ob/gyn appointment. However, a couple of days ago I saw the schedule for the week when I'll be having my ob/gyn appointment, and I was astonished to find out that not only was I scheduled to do a floorset until 2:00am in the morning, but also the day of my appointment I was given an on-call mid-shift (which breaks my entire day).

I brought this to the attention of the assistant manager who, as stated before, makes the schedule. I told her AGAIN that floorsets are a no-go, I can definitely help them with prep and tables, but not the heavy lifting of mannequins, uppers, ladders, much less staying and driving at 2:00am, etc. As per my ob/gyn appointment, the ass. manager responded that they probably will not use my on-call. Keyword PROBABLY. After telling them two weeks in advance about my appointment, I get scheduled with an on-call mid-shift that could go either way. What is this person expecting? That I be waiting by the phone and see if they need me and come running to their mediocre-run store instead of checking on the well-being of my baby? Am I in the wrong here? Is there anything I am not seeing that might make my stance incorrect? Then again the store is run by kids. . .

taahira · December 2014

Congrats on your pregnancy.
Are you having a high risk pregnancy?
I understand no extreme heavy lifting, I'm wondering why your OB suggested you couldn't work till 2am or drive that late at night?

Unknown · December 2014

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MySallyGirl · December 2014

I see no reason why late hours are a problem for you if that's what your job calls for.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

I had a similar situation as this when I was pregnant. I had a job where I was lifting kids in and out of wheel chairs, and dealing with violent outbursts. I just had to change how I handled certain situations. It is a horrible job to have while pregnant.

Honestly, your job is your job. If you are not comfortable doing it then unfortunately you're kind of screwed. You have to find ways to adapt to your job. If you think something is way too heavy to lift ask for help. As for working till 2am, why is that bad? Just tired?

Unless you're high risk, I can't see why you can't work till 2am, drive at night, or lift mannequins. They aren't that heavy. People have kids and pick them up during their pregnancy. Unless you are straining you shouldn't have any issues??

Helenahhandbasket · December 2014

It sounds like your job isn't a good fit for you.

I worked retail for several years. Yes, some of the lifting can be heavy, so that would be really the only thing I can see that you probably should be avoiding, although millions of pregnant moms regulalry lift heavy toddlers, just as an aside.

Go to your store manager and explain about the on call midday shift. Based on the time of your appointment, ask to etiher have that shift swapped with either an early or late on call shift so not to interfere.

Does the scheduling manager let you swap schedules with other employees? If yes, that could be another option for you. Find out who is off that day and ask if someone can either swap days with you- OR there may be some of your co workers that are looking to pick up more hours.

If none of that works for you-- I am afraid if you stay at your job, this is going to be a very long pregnancy for you.

redandblack14 · December 2014

As the PP have stated, there is no reason you can't perform the duties of your job while pregnant. My first job while in college was retail and floor sets were in fact a pain in the ass, but I could still do what was asked even if I were still doing retail now. If you feel like you need help with something, ask for it.

CreechMommy · December 2014

As far as the appointment, I think they should accommodate you, just like I would expect an employer to respect a Dr. appointment for any reason.

As far as no late hours...welcome to retail.

I had a store manager and assistant manager that were both pregnant at the same time and they did floor sets and got on ladders and lifted mannequins until they went on maternity leave.

I'm not suggesting you get on a 10 foot ladder (I wouldn't if I still worked retail) but I think what you are asking is a little too much. Especially considering you are in the first tri. Maybe once you get further along, your job duties could change more as it becomes more difficult to do certain things.

For now, I would just say tell them you need that time off for your appointment but if they need you after you appt. you would be happy to come in.

PrimRoseMama · December 2014

Sorry, Hun. I think you are asking for special treatment. I worked retail as you describe during my pg with my daughter.

If you need help with lifting then you can ask. Late nights & long hours are completely do-able. I can't imagine any doctor placing such restrictions on the average pregnant woman.

As far as your shift & doc appt. Can you ask someone else to cover your shift? When I worked boutiques it was common practice to swap shifts.

Unknown · December 2014

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CaliforniaDream87 · December 2014

I run multiple retail stores that are not ran in a mediocre manner. I worked at pretty much all of them doing floor sets, working the sales floor ect until 39 weeks pregnant. Was it hard? Yes. But it's the job. Why in the world can't you do a floor set? Floor sets are comprised of many different tasks and I'm not totally understanding why you "can't" do them. Also, maybe they made a mistake with scheduling on your requested day off. No biggie. Have you mentioned it? I just find that your expectation is a little much. To be honest, if I was your store manager I would be scheduling you out. You seem not to want to work. Pregnancy is not a disability. Can they work with your scheduling expectations? Absolutely. However, it's not a requirement. You need to ask yourself if this is a job you are willing to do. There are many other pregnant women that would love to be employed.

ipumpkin · December 2014

Ugh. I hate when people act like I am disabled just because I'm pregnant and you are basically asking for people to coddle you...really?! Fuckin' grow a set. You think long hours will suck now? You haven't seen anything yet....

delujm0 · December 2014

I can see not lifting heavy stuff and not climbing ladders if that is what your doctor suggested. I would also talk to them about your doctor appointment as that should be accommodated.

However the late hours aren't off limits for pregnant women especially of they are a part of your job. It sounds like you work part time (and are not a salaried employee with a signed employment contract) so if you need the money I'd suggest not complaining. It would be totally within the store's rights to cut your hours or fire you for nonperformance if you are looking for unnecessary special treatment.

taahira · December 2014

I cannot see this OP coming back to her thread, and clearing things up.

jgrace82 · December 2014

ladycersei said:
Hmm. I have a nurse friend who is newly expecting her second child. She has 12 hour shifts, overnight shifts, many times on consecutive nights. She has to handle heavy beds and patients and be on her feet almost the whole time. I'm surprised her uterus hasn't broken in itty bitty pieces yet. After reading this, I will advise her to stop working because she's obviously doing it wrong.

Samsies.
I am a nurse, I work 12 hour days/ nights. Run around like crazy all day, and still do moderate lifting. Pregnancy isn't a disease. I book my appointments for days off. Not hard.

CaliforniaDream87 · December 2014

KirianaTi said:

wickedsugar said:

KirianaTi said:

I can see not lifting. You should get the time off for the appointment. It doesn't matter when you sleep, so I am unclear on why the late nights are an issue or normal aspects of your job.

It would be conciderate of them, but time off is a request, they have a business to run..

I agree, but I'm in management and I've NEVER denied a sick time request. 2 weeks should be plenty of time for retail.

Just because you have never denied a request off doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It's a case by case situation. Retail=scheduling around business needs. Also, sick time? A Dr. appointment is not considered "sick time". It's called scheduling your appointments on your days off like the rest of us retail pregnant women do. Easy.

CaliforniaDream87 · December 2014

KirianaTi said:

CaliforniaDream87 said:

KirianaTi said:

wickedsugar said:

KirianaTi said:

I can see not lifting. You should get the time off for the appointment. It doesn't matter when you sleep, so I am unclear on why the late nights are an issue or normal aspects of your job.

It would be conciderate of them, but time off is a request, they have a business to run..

I agree, but I'm in management and I've NEVER denied a sick time request. 2 weeks should be plenty of time for retail.

Just because you have never denied a request off doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It's a case by case situation. Retail=scheduling around business needs. Also, sick time? A Dr. appointment is not considered "sick time". It's called scheduling your appointments on your days off like the rest of us retail pregnant women do. Easy.

How is a doctor's appointment not sick time? Yes it is. Look it up.

Also, I've had to use a ton of time for my fertility appointments. It's not always possible to do it on a day off. Especially if you work m-f, 9-5, you probably have to use sick time at some point. But that's why you have it.

I don't need to look it up. A Dr. appointment does not equate to sick time (company by company basis so I'm discussing my company). Also, not every retailer offers their employees "sick time". Now, if we're discussing PTO? That's different. Again, management is not required to give someone their requested time off. Its "requested" for a reason.

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Problems while working retail

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