What would you do in this job situation?

Question

We work 12 hour day shifts, 3 on 4 off and 4 on 3 off. 40 of us have been told that as the project we are working on is ending they are giving us 2 options,

1/ we can reapply for our jobs (they have 12 jobs) and take a 30% pay cut because we would change to monday to friday.

2/ we can work 12 hour alternating day/night shift for 10% more.

Working M>F and taking a 30% pay cut is out of the question not to mention the extra 6 hours of travel time a week.

Working Night shift is out of the question because I would be spending 4 to 5 hours a day travelling when I'm working nights.This would mean that I get maybe 5 to 6 hour sleep after working 12.2 hour shifts.

I've given the company 3 other options which they refused, one was to give me redundancy (as they've made my job redundant). They are also Outsourcing our jobs because when I go in two weeks they are replacing me with 2 contractors. I would appreciate any advice on what you would do. I live in Ireland, Thanks.

Thanks for all the answers so far. The company made $20 Billion last year so It's not a issue of saving money and unfortunately I'm not in a Union.

Also should have mentioned, I have a contract that states that I work Days. I've been working Days only for 4 years. I will push for redundancy and am prepared to take it to the Labour Court, Thanks.

Answer 1

It's no consolation but we used to have unions who could negotiate on our behalf. A unorganised workforce is a defeated one and that is what Thatcher, Reagan, Pointy-head Friedman et al persuaded Britain (The USA's grand trade unions having been long weakened) to sign up for. The sooner we get back to having some rights to defend and some politicians to defend them with us, the sooner we can get back enjoying our fair share of the wealth we help create.

Answer 2

I would move closer to work and work the night shift. If I could get a cheap room or pay someone to let me crash in a bedroom of their home then that would be fine too.

You are not in the position of negotiating this because they obviously want a reduction in employees. Employers have no loyalty; they figure you got paid for what your did for them and that is that.

I would go for the night shift and the extra 10% and keep the job because jobs are too hard to get and once you are out of work then you are in a really bad position.

The more you squawk about this the more you are digging into your unemployment grave.

Answer 3

If these options are not suitable for you, you should ask for your separation papers. The company is within their legal rights to do what they are doing. They are offering everyone alternate solutions. It is up to you/everyone where to accept or not. As an employer, sometimes unpopular decisions must be made to save the future of the company. I know your decision is a hard one, but I'm sure you will make the one that's right for you. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I dont know about legislation orr support in your country - are you NI and therefore UK or are you in Eire? I would contact ACAS in the UK as I dont think they CAN refuse to pay you redundancy - if they are making your job redundant. And if you are having your terms and conditions changed then they HAVE to do it through the proper consultation process involving union reps. m

I would look to your local ACAS or equivalent - they are not treating you fairley - and I dont think legally.

Answer 5

Perhaps you could take one of their options. But have a quiet look around for some thing else nearer home.

Answer 6

I think your screwed. You take one of the offers, or you find another job, thats pretty simple in my eyes.

Answer 7

obviously they have someone to fill youre positions on minimum wage

Answer 8

It's their ballgame. I'm afraid you're stuck.