So I'm probably being demoted today for being pg...
Last Monday I went back to work after a week off in hospital with severe morning sickness. And I told my boss that I am pg. Just gone three months, so figured it was time. A couple of people knew (they figured it out all on their own), but as far as I knew, he didn't know.
I have only worked there since the start of October. The boss went to say something, then gave me a sideways 'congratulations' (out of forced politeness) first, and then proceeded to tell me that his opinion (which is the only one that counts btw) is that I am "incapable of doing my job". Right okay. It's not like I am a top class full contact martial arts instructor or ... or... I can't think of anything else that I may be "incapable" of doing. I am a functions and events manager at a hotel. He said that "we need to review my position", and "look at putting me back to a casual" (I am a full time employee). He asked me what I thought about that, and I said that I don't agree because I don't see any reason why being pregnant might make me incapable of doing my job, except lifting very heavy tables (which no one should be doing on their own anyway, yet we are all expected to). He said he disagrees, and that we are to have another meeting next Monday (today) about it.
Last Friday or Saturday night he came to me and said "you were sick last night?" (we had a dinner the night before). I said yeah a bit, but it didn't have any negative impact on the job I did, and I did a good job. He didn't beleive me, and said that we need to review my position, make it Monday. I said that we had already agreed last Monday to have that meeting. He said that he "wanted to make sure that I hadn't forgotten or anything like that, and just that it is quite more pertinent that it happens now." After that 'discussion' I was nearly in tears as I set up for another dinner with another girl (one of the people who figured out that I was pg), and I asked her if I did a good job the night before. She said "yeah!", and I asked if she had told pk (the boss) that I was sick the night before. She said no, but seemed quiet after that. She was the only one I had said to the night before that I felt sick to a couple of times, and she spent most of the night complaining that *she* was about to throw up, and all she could taste was oil, etc, etc.
I called Fairwork Aust after our meeting last week, and they said if he puts me back to casual it is unfair dismissal (because it disagvantages me), and is discrimination (no, really? ), but then it came up that since I have been there less than six or twelve months (I forget which), that I am basically not covered. WTF? Does that mean I just have to get shafted and like it?
I start work at 2pm today, doing reception. THere are three things I really want to say to my boss. 1; Did I deeply upset a trainee waitress just because she is the front office manager's friend, and because I asked her to do some work? 2. Did he get told that jb the sick waitress was actually sick that night too. and 3. When I started I remember pk saying that I had to be careful and not stand on toes at work, due to my confidence and ability- I didn't realise at the time that actually meant his toes, since pretty much ALL his employees have more respect for me as a co-worker and manager than respect to him as CEO. Just hope I have the cohunas to say it! As the Man said, what's the worst that's going to happen? Him fire me? He's going to do that anyway!
Are you part of the union? They will come to meetings like this, particularly when there is potential discrimination due to pregnancy. Grab a copy of the fair work practices, and arm yourself when you go into your meeting.
best of luck today - sounds like an awful situation
let us know how you go. Is there an HR manager or similar who can attend with you?
Take notes in the meeting and it may be worth writing down your main pts also so you dont lose them.
I would also communiocate in writing and get him to 'accept' anything that is determined so you dont end up in a he said/she said situation.
personally i wouldnt bring up co workers or personal things - keep the discussion v official and professional. the other struff clouds the issue.
Rivlas, I'm not about to suck up to him, and I have the support of almost all of the other staff. Two of the Chef's have said they would leave if I left! I doubt it, but the token kindness was nice. They keep telling me just to serve it right back to him. I keep building my confidence while he's not around, but as soon as he speaks to me I shrivel into a mouse! Aside from him, the job is great.
Ryatha, no, I'm not part of the union. I just spoke to the ombudsman again, I took down some notes, so am forearmed. But again, maybe the mouse will come out and I won't say any of it. Thank you for the good luck.
MummaPan, There is no HR, just him. Even the Chefs won't be there at that time for me to drag one of them with me. Do you think I could take the Man? Re the co-workers, etc, I think as far as he's concerned, it's all tied up together and I need to go.
Def say something about the other girls feeling sick and her comment about the smell.
Have your say and I agree with your DH. The worst he can do is fire you the best, keep you on as a casual.
Sounds like the sort of boss who will never be happy with anyone who works for him unless they suck up to him.
Is he worth the peace of mind and your well being?
Actually I am a bit, no, a lot worried as to what may happen. I guess if anything happens, I just need to stick to my guns, keep my cahunas, and write down whatever goes down.
Thanks . I had hoped maybe I could show others that its necessary to stand up, I just feel shy I guess for doing it. I want everyone to know what they did wrong, but not sure if I want it all over the media (as satisfying as that would be I admit, especially if I come out on top), as one reason why we moved here is to fly under the radar.
Did ask why my predessor left, and was told (by I think a reliable staff member) that "she was asked to leave", and she was there for ten years, under the same title as i had signed for! (Conference &Events Sales & Marketing Manager) No such thing as being demoted for being pregnant! And i also asked where she went to work after leaving. She was asked to leave because two of the other staff didn't like her (one of whom left 1 week after i arrived, the other does the pays, is only there 2 or 3 days per week and put her hand up to do my job. Even though in writing the CEO said my job is no longer existent), and she didn't get along with the CEO.
It sounds a bit like they have a track record for shafting their employees. How is it that they've been allowed to get away with it? I admire you for sticking to your guns! Well done! Do what u believe is right & best!
So I'm probably being demoted today for being pg...
He said that "we need to review my position", and "look at putting me back to a casual" (I am a full time employee). He asked me what I thought about that, and I said that I don't agree because I don't see any reason why being pregnant might make me incapable of doing my job, except lifting very heavy tables (which no one should be doing on their own anyway, yet we are all expected to). He said he disagrees, and that we are to have another meeting next Monday (today) about it.
), but then it came up that since I have been there less than six or twelve months (I forget which), that I am basically not covered. WTF? Does that mean I just have to get shafted and like it?
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Thank you for the good luck.
you are an inspiration for standing up for your rights
. I had hoped maybe I could show others that its necessary to stand up, I just feel shy I guess for doing it. I want everyone to know what they did wrong, but not sure if I want it all over the media (as satisfying as that would be I admit, especially if I come out on top), as one reason why we moved here is to fly under the radar.
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