Can My Job Do This?

Question

Okay, I am not going to name my work, BUT, my manager told me that I have to get credit card applications, like 5 or more a month or he will cut my hours, then eventually terminate me. Now, I know that he can cut hours, but is it legal to fire someone because they don't make a certain credit quota, especially when it was NOT addressed when I was being interviewed for the job (Nov. 2006), or when I was in training.

What do I do all day?
I am a MCA. That is where you fold clothes, and go to the stock room and put clothes out on the floor. I am also a cashier, sometimes. The thing is, I am the ONLY person he has spoken with, all the other people have worse credit than I, and have about 16-40 hours. I have 7 hours. Now, I am working part time and I am a minor, but on in my interview he told me part time was between 10-29 hours. I'm not even getting that. I am sorry, I just don't see how it is fair to do this. I do bust my *** to get people to apply for credit. Maybe this helped a little bit more.

I did not know that it drops your credit score everytime you apply for a card, and I just looked at my job description online, it says ask people to apply for (company name) credit card, but it does NOT state anywhere that we are held responsible if don't meet a quota, and it doesn't say anything about cutting hours or being terminated. I think I am going to start looking for a new job....

Answer 1

Many jobs have sales or performance quotas in which a pattern of consistence underperfomance will probably lead to a demotion or dismissal. This is perfectly legal as it would fall under "poor job performance".

However in your case, it's possilble the company may have misrepresented themselves when you interviewed for the position. During your interview, did you discuss what the basis of performance evaluation would be and what the requirements were? It is an important question that should be asked before you accept any job. If they flat out lied to you then you have a bit more of an argument with them. Regardless, the company was clearly less than forthcoming when it came to disclosing how you would be evaluated.

Unfortunately, in this case, whether lied to or not, it may not be worth the fight. Would you really want to stay with such a company anyways? My suggestion would be to try and make the best of the situation and use this as a stepping stone to find a new job as quickly as possible.

Answer 2

yeah. the store probably has a quota to meet or he gets fired... so now he's passing it along to you.

the weird thing is that it's gonna be a lot harder to get 5 a month with fewer hours... so what does he expect?

i think it's just an empty threat and he's nervous. you can't force people to appy for the credit card. retail chains never give up trying though because they make SO much money off of them.

i suppose the person who answered below never heard of "employment at will" - you don't have a contract with this place... you can quit at any time and they can fire you at any time for any reason other than race, sex, or disability.

if you are working 7 hrs a week and are in what seems like an entry level job (since you are a minor)... i am sure it will be much easier to find another job at the same level (there are dozens) than to worry about this or deal with it any further. i read other replies on here & frankly, going to a lawyer or the press is... a little strange. people are having delusions of grandeur on here. teresa also doesn't know what she's talking about. it affects the credit score of the applicant, not YOUR credit score...

btw - it sounds like your mgr is just trying to get you to quit. this happened to me when i was 17 and my store got a new psycho be-otch manager. the staff went from 14 to 2 in 3 weeks. looking back (10 yrs later) i wish i just walked out and didn't stress over it so much.

Answer 3

What you have is a bad manager. Unfortunately what you probably also have is an "at will" employment situation, which means you can leave, or they can terminate you, without a reason at any time.

Unless you are getting commission for each credit app you turn in, there does not appear to be a job requirement that htis occur. you have several choices:

1) Talk to your boss's boss and explain the situation. I'll bet that person has no idea what your boss is up to. The downside here is that this can backfire if your boss hears that you complained.

2) Tell your boss he is being unreasonable and that unless he gives you more hours you cannot possibly meet the quota he has improsed.

3) Find another job, one that doesn't employe Simon Legree as your manager.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Legal? Yes, you would be fired for non-performance. The only way this would be illegal if another group of similar employees did NOT have the same requirement. But, if obtaining application is part of the job and you have been informed then it is OK. Every detail of the position does not have to be gone over during an interview. I would think this is a given norm in some jobs, such as cashiers.

Answer 5

check your hand book, But FYI every time you apply for a credit card it drops your score 10 points. Either your boss knows this and is setting you up or he is a complete stupid a$$. Someone is his position should know things like that. At any rate...... GO TO HIS BOSS AND FILE A REPORT!!!!!!!!!!! I would think it would be against to bribe someone in the work place. As a matter of fact, I would also go to the press, sounds like you are going to loose this job anyway.

Answer 6

Ask for your job description (or look online at your company). More than likely, it will say for responsibilities "and other necessary tasks".

Maybe the Credit card portion is new? I know it is at my company and if you don't meet the goals... you will get terminated.

Answer 7

What is your job position? If you are in any type of credit sales or solicitation...then, yes, you can get fired for not reaching a quota. What exactly is it that you're doing all day??? Get to work, Missy. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Consult a lawyer, start looking for a new job. set up to sue, and then when they fire you sue them. Then work your old job.

Better yet, write a registered letter to the CEO asking why is this policy? Then whatever he answers, send to "60 minutes."

Yeah, that's what I'd do.