Hmmm not sure witj taking The Man - I guess it depends on the conversation and the org but I dont think he would serve the purpose you need ie an impartial person (ideally a professional who deals with this)
Just write it all down, dont go in as though you are ready for a fight... listen and write down what he says and tell him you need to think about it all.
If it is about you being pg that is one thing, if he has issues with your performance that is another. he needs this documented in any case.
Best of luck.
I would also get him to make any offer to change your employment terms in writing and include the reasons why. I am thinking that while Fairwork may not be able to do anything surely the police could charge him with discrimination? it would be interesting to find out and see what he says to facing criminal charges?
N2L; That's an idea. I just spoke to the Man, and he said to make sure that if he says something negative to make sure that I disagree clearly with him, and say along the lines that an arbitrator (sp) will have to sort it out, because we won't be able to agree.
Ryatha; I'm running out of time to call them, but I'll try to!
MummaPan; I think I was grasping at straws for someone to take with me. Have decided against taking the Man. It's hard not to go in ready for a fight. I feel like if I tell pk that I will think about it that I am leaning towards his decision, which I am definitely not. We had a talk a while ago, and he brought up my performance (which I thought was good, and I hadn't had any negative feedback from anyone else), but this is all about me being pg.
We had a dinner last week, for thirty 'high society' locals, very, VERY fussy. EVERY single one of them was happy, and I even got three of them (including their group president) to put in writing how they felt about the service and food (which they did). pk was the ONLY one out of them, and the staff who tended the night that thought it was "sh**". I don't understand it at all. He makes me want to cry sometimes, but I think that would be letting him win in a way.
Kelebek, When I spoke to the ombudsman just before, they said if I am fired or changed back to a casual it would be unlawful termination, PLUS there's the whole discrimination thing on top of that.
Sound like you are ready and make sure you don't turn into a mouse. Make sure you don't show that he is getting to you. you can fall to pieces when you get home.
Also make it obvious you are taking notes and don't let him intimidate you re the notes. Try and get as much in writing and if he wants to change your conditions make sure you get it in writing. a paper trail will be worth it if you have to take it further. Also if need be get people to write you references re the work you have done for them. It will make him look bad if he says your work is not up to scratch when you have glowing reports form customers.
I'm pretty sure from discussions with the HR person at my work, that they have to have a policy for dismissal, in our case its 3 written warnings then you can be. I would look into that, and as far as Fairwork, changing you down to casual after informing him of being pg would HAVE to be unfair dismissal.
how awful for you hun. I think you have been given heaps of awesome advice. As much as it would be tempting to go in guns blazing I wouldn't give him one INCH to use against you. I would go in, disagree with everything he comes up with, definitely let him know you are taking things further as you see it totally as discrimination even if that is all you say today. Keep it simple, let him talk and dig himself a hole - agree to absolutely nothing until you have sought further legal advice and leave it at that. You don't want him to say you are argumentative and further offend him by talking about the lack of staff respect for him as it really doesn't have anything to do with your situation in him decreasing your hours etc. good luck hun, really tricky but I hope you can show him you won't back down, that he is totally in the wrong and prove him wrong in that you can do your job well, and being pg doesn't change a thing.
Thanks everyone. We had the meeting (in my office, yay! my turf!), and he was just a tool. I didn't take notes during the meeting, but as soon as he walked out of my ofice I typed everything down that had transpired. I made sure to disagree with whatever I didn't like. I AM being made into a casual, he just didn't say when, or what my wages or hours would be.
He is now trying the excuse (as cover) that January and February are traditionally quiet months for conferences, so that's why he's making casual, ALONG with my health. Uh-huh. RIght. But then he said it's not the end of the world, I'll still have an income! The nerve! It's probably a good thing I didn't get him in the Secret Santa! Lol... Could just imagine the things I could get him!
I have email addresses or phone numbers for EVERY function I have run there since I started working there. I'm counting on getting some positive reports from a few people, in addition to the three I got a couple of weeks back.
I want written notice about everything that is to change. As soon as I know that I AM casual, I am lodging a complaint with Fairwork Aust. He doesn't have a secretary.
As I have been there less than six months, I can't go unfair dismassal, but I can go unfair termination.... Since I am being disadvantaged by the move, it comes under that. Plus the discrimination.
I am really quite shattered by the whole thing. I know I do a really good job. Actually yesterday, a lady came in to drop off a room key for her manager (who was staying with us), who had a function a little while ago. I quietly told her what had happened, and she said to watch that I am not retrenched, as another lady who worked there and became pregnant was....
Another thing yesterday, I worked evening shift at reception, and was very sad. The Man decided to get me a little smilie present, and went into the local flower and gift shop. He said he needed something for his wife as she's feeling a bit sad because her boss is treating her terribly. She knew where I worked by just him saying that! And told him to tell me to go in and see her. Anyway. Still shattered. Still have to work Christmas day, even though I feel a sickie coming on. I am suppoed to work for Christmas lunch, and then afternoon shift reception (2pm to 7pm). SO in other words, I miss BOTH Christmas lunch AND dinner with MY FAMILY.
Hugs to you - I hope the florist turns out to be a super-lawyer in disguise or something (hmm, DS has too much Marvel in his life now I think). Can you get boss to sign your minutes?
Netix - good luck today. Try to keep your cool and let him say his piece. I agree with pp's about taking notes, I would also ask for written notice of any changes to your conditions and if possible a record of your meeting. Does he have a secretary who can do this? Try to keep your cool despite how awful the scenario is, then seek some advice on your rights after he has given you his spiel. Don't get too caught up in arguing your point either as this will surely just prove to him that he is right. Sorry to hear you have to go through this. xx
keep a record of the meeting. pity that you arent able to have a union rep there in time. if you are not a member, i reckon with a workplace like that, that you need to be in one.
like PP have mentioned, any changes discussed in the meeting need to recorded and drawn up. someone will need to compile meeting minutes (and both parties need to agree to those being written at the time. if they dont agree, then no meeting).
write down any previous conversations and try to remember the dates and any possible witnesses. the more info that you have from your end the better it will be if it does to go to the ombudsman.
When are you meeting him? I hope it all goes well. you have good advice here - just keep your cool, dont commit and write it all down. let us know how you go.
Keep FWA posted, keep making notes - make them as contemporaneously as possible ... sit down and write notes at the time of any further "meetings" or immediately afterwards, so you get the words used, body language noted etc and it's as accurate as possible - and write down the date and time of them.
Make a copy, so you have a safe set as well, in case something happens to your first set.
Is it possible to talk to the new CEO? They might not be comfortable disagreeing with the old CEO to his face, or speaking out against him publically at the moment, but is it possible to speak to them privately to at least let them know your side of the story, and give them the option to take the higher ground with you (and FWA...) rather than possibly getting tied up in the old CEO's BS and dragged down with it before they've even really established themselves?
And yes, take someone with you to any future "meetings".
Good luck today. In a meeting such as this you are allowed to take a person in with you, impartially, they are there to take notes and listen to the conversation. (They normally sit aside from the meeting and they don't speak or ask questions etc). I don't think your DH is a suitable person though. Maybe you could ask someone else from work, whom you trust, to come to the meeting with you? I also agree with MamaPan just listen to what he has to say and ask for a follow up meeting to let him know your decision/other points you may need to raise.
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