At my current job the company needs people to start working Saturdays. As you can imagine, none of us are thrilled about the idea of having to work Saturdays. There are four other employees that do my same job. Most of them have kids. That stated, I feel I am being pressed to pick up the Saturday shifts. No, I don't have the obligations that come along with having children but I don't feel this should be a factor and feel somewhat discriminated against. If I have seniority, shouldn't that take precedence? I would like some opinions.
2007-03-21 07:21:53 · 9 answers · asked by RcknRllr 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Unless the children were issued to the parents by the company, that should not be a consideration. Just because you're not married it doesn't mean you don't have a life.
Mind you, I have been married for nearly 12 years and have raised 3 children. I've never let parenthood get in the way of my work and I've never used my family as an excuse to get out of work. They are WHO I work for--not an excuse to get out of it.
I know this kind of thing happens every day. If your company is giving preferential treatment based on marital or parental status it is wrong. Is it "descrimination?" I don't know. That's such a "buzz word" that I'm afraid to use it in this context.
The best suggestion would be to have a "friendly" conversation with your supervisor and ask if this responsibility could be shared or rotated.
2007-03-21 07:31:12 · answer #1 · answered by mrvid2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the company need everyone to work Saturdays, or can it implement rotating coverage (you cover one weekend of every five?)
If you are being asked by the boss to do extra work solely on the basis of not having children, then the company is treating you differently on an illegitimate basis and you may have grounds for a complaint. If your coworkers are giving you the evil eye, you may be feeling some pressure to cover for them but the company is not discriminating against you.
2007-03-21 07:27:13 · answer #2 · answered by Mel 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that it is discrimination to work Saturdays. However, if they don't come in and the upper management does nothing then you might be heading down that road. Some places here consider the absentee policy still applies for Saturday work. I think that you need to find out more information like swing shifts and alternate weekends.
Good luck
2007-03-21 07:37:00 · answer #3 · answered by De 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have kids but I really feel for you guys who don't! It's a catch 22 for both employeers and employees. What can they do about it? I myself, made it clear before I was hired that my kids came first. I've been working at the same place for 3 years. I've caught flack from fellow co-workers and my boss for leaving before them because of a snow storm or leaving unexpectedly because of a sick kidom ect. I'm the only one with kids and am hoping my coworkers will start having babies so I won't look so bad!
My mother-in-law hates women's lib and says moms never should have gone to work in the first place and none of us would have this problem. She believes we live a life style we don't have to and moms could stay home if they'd lower there standards and get rid of their gas guzzling SUV's. Sometimes I think she might be right!?!?
I wish you the best!
2007-03-21 07:35:21 · answer #4 · answered by Lakin J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately this is not discrimination as you probably work in an "at will" state which allows the employer to set the rules on hiring and firing as long as they don't violate the protected classes covered under The Civil Rights Act and any state civil rights laws. Married and unmarried are not protected classes and Seniority is not protected either, unless you are in a union contract which changes the playing field as that will dictate the rules.
2007-03-21 07:30:25 · answer #5 · answered by Dazedandconfused 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems unfair, but not discrimination. This is typical of overtime hours and all that. The non-family people tend to work longer hours, and work weekends more often. The only question is if it will get recognized by your superiors that you are putting in the extra time. If they are asking everyone to put in time, it seems only fair that if you can and want to you will put in the time. You should not feel pressured to pick up the slack for your other colleagues, but this would be the case even if they didn't have family but just didn't want to come in on weekends. You can either not work it, and not get the recognition, or work it and get the honor.
2007-03-21 07:28:57 · answer #6 · answered by JM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pressed by who- management, or these other employees? If you don't want to do the Saturday's any more than the rest of them, I'd say just that, and let management decide who staffs on that day. Make suggetions for how to decide-
seniority, rotate among the 5 of you (one Sat every 5 weeks shouldn't be too unbearable for anyone), or even drawing straws, but you are right- you should not be penalized for being childless. But you do need to state your case, and offer solutions, and not just whine about it.
2007-03-21 07:29:06 · answer #7 · answered by GEEGEE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Truely ..yes that sounds just like discrimination..if you had kids too than you would be in the same league as them but if you where hired before them that is what should come into play not them because they have kids that is their choice...
2007-03-21 07:29:34 · answer #8 · answered by smiles8183 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, this is not discrimination. Give those parents a break - someday you will probably be one and then you will understand. Besides, you can earn brownie points this way. And be thankful you have a job! Tell you what: Since I am unemployed, give me your job. I'll work Saturdays with NO complaining! You can be unemployed - it's not fun.
2007-03-21 07:28:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋