David and Goliath, Rocky and the Russian, Me and the sales manager!
So I have a rather nice story to share. At work there is this sales manager who constantly looks over our shoulders and finds fault in all we do despite not actually being our boss. She comes up with obscure rules, or invents them out of whole cloth, to torment us with and looks for petty ways to get at us. We all cringe when she walks through the door. She is the worst boss I've had in the seven years since I joined the work force. Well, the other day she tried to tell me that I couldn't have my break because it was too busy and breaks are just "a gift from the company, not something you're entitled to." So I went home that night, loaded up my internet, printed a copy of California state law, wrote a scathing letter, and went in the next day to talk with my store manager. I insisted on filing a formal complaint. They kept my report on file and sent copies to all of the VIP's at our corporate office. The end result was that she was talked to and told to stay out of our department and leave its management up to our supervisor. I won! My coworkers are rather happy with me for it as well and my supervisor was especially pleased as this manger constantly undermined and belittled her in front of us. I'll go ahead and post a copy of the letter in case anybody is interested. I edited out a couple names to be on the safe side.
To the management of N. Home Furnishings;
I, Jessica Day, am writing a formal complaint against the manager J. W. regarding an incident that took place on October 4th, 2006. I would like to begin by referencing an earlier incident that took place shortly after I was hired in March of 2006 as I believe it directly relates to my complaint.
Mrs. W. took me aside one day and informed me that the times I was taking my breaks were unacceptable. I protested that both my direct supervisor S. F. and the manager B. P. had authorized the meal period and corresponding break in question. She informed me that Mr. P. was “only” the corporate trainer and Ms. F. was “only” a supervisor implying that I need to clear such things with her. She then went on to say, and I quote, “we don’t really take breaks here. Obviously we will if we have time but if we’re busy then we sometimes have to just skip them...” This event bothered me but I chose not do anything about it for two reasons: 1) I was a temporary employee at the time hired through Apple One Employment Agency and therefore extremely worried about the possibility of being let go without recourse; and 2) Ms. F. and my store manager J. M. were (and are) extremely good about seeing that I get the proper amount of meal and rest periods in a timely manner, and therefore Mrs. W. opinions had little effect on me. I did notice however that many of my coworkers over the last six months rarely, if ever, take their breaks. I also felt that there was a general sense amongst my coworkers that if you took your breaks, especially when it was busy, then you weren’t being a team player. It is my opinion that this is a result of comments, such as the ones I just mentioned, made by Mrs. W. This was the situation leading up to the incident I wish to discuss that took place on Wednesday October 4th, 2006.
The clerical department is currently short handed for shifts on Wednesdays with only two of us working on that particular day. When my coworker A. S. had to go home sick I was left as the only one in my department. She had spoken with Mrs. W. previously and was asked to stay until I could take my lunch. On my way to lunch I asked Mrs. W. what she would like me to do about my breaks, to which she responded, “You and your breaks! You know, you are not entitled to those breaks- they are simply a gift that the company gives you...” I started to respond but she cut me off and stated that she did not wish to argue. She told me to speak with Mr. M. Mr. M. was very helpful and offered to cover my breaks personally for which I was very grateful. I went to take my lunch and assumed that the matter was resolved. However, while I was in the break room I was relating these events to one of my coworkers when Mrs. W. came in behind me and overheard our conversation. She reasserted her opinion to those present that N. Home Furnishings is in no way required to give rest periods to its workers. She then told me that I should not mention things like that to my coworkers as it “could cause problems” and that I was only to speak with her about it. I honestly felt a little intimidated and more than a little angry. Sometime later she came and sat at the desk at 342 (which was adjacent to mine at 341) to do her work. I felt this was unusual as she nearly always sits at 302 on the East side of the building every day. At the first moment when there was neither employees nor customers near by she once more brought up the subject. This time she said that she had felt I was rude and unfair in my conversations with her that day. She proceeded to call me both “arrogant” and “selfish” for insisting upon my breaks. I began to respond but a customer came up and brought an end to the conversation.
I readily admit that I am not perfect and it could easily be argued that perhaps my manner of speaking was not what one would expect to hear from an employee to a manager. In my defense though, I must say that I do my best at all times to maintain a professional and polite demeanor. I believe that Mrs. W’s statements on that day were unkind, unwarranted, and unlawful. I understand my rights under California labor law and I know her claims as to rest periods to be false. I am frustrated by her continuous attacks on both my rights as a citizen of the state of California and upon my character. I do not deserve to be treated as lazy simply for taking two ten minute breaks each day.
In closing I would like to state that I am only upset with the opinions of Mrs. Willhouse and not with the company in general. As I previously stated Ms. F. and Mr. M. have both been courteous and studious in making sure that breaks are available to all of us. I do think some of my coworkers have gotten the wrong idea about our policies but I do not feel this is the fault of management in general. I would like to request, if I may, that a poster be placed in the break room with the other legal notices there, outlining proper meal and rest periods. I truly appreciate that time was taken to read and consider my letter.
Sincerely,
Jessica Renee Day
Yeah, so I was rather pleased with how the letter turned out and its resulting effect. My store manager even complimented me on it! I've gained a reputation at work. Some of them call me "anal" but others appreciate my attention to detail and organized work habits. At any rate, I definately stand out which I think will be to the good when my supervisor leaves and her job opens up...
In other news, I went with Papa to see Grandma over my days off. We went to Tahoe and took pictures and had a great time. Both of us stayed the night and Grandma made us all breakfast in the morning. For a little while at least it was like we were a family again. It makes me both happy and teary eyed to reflect on it now. Elana and I are doing well. Still taking things slow. I find myself missinger her during the week and counting down the days until tuesday which has become our unoficial day to meet up seeing as how she's always so busy. We get along great and I am starting to think this might get serious. Her birthday came but I haven't given her her present yet as I'm still waiting for UPS to deliver it. Her favorite book is called Game of Thrones and she has a board game by the same title which she loves. I found online an expansion back for the board game with new rules and pieces and such. I think she'll really love it and I can't wait to give it to her :) It's looking pretty definate now that Papa and Grandma are going to help me with my surgery and I'll be getting it in march of 2008. I've started writing up a budget/presentation for my Papa to convince him that I've both researched this thouroughly and that I'm responsible enough to pay back a loan of $8K. My finances are making me nervous right now though. Rent is going up by like 50 bucks and the bus pass just went up by another 5. My new cell phone will cost me another 5 a month, the laser hair removal is antother 100 each month and my health insurance is now draining 110 out of my monthly income. It's a bit scary to have so much money stuff happening at once and be contemplating taking on 16K in debt... So anyways things are going right more often than not and I'll just have to tighten my belt again and go back to my k-mart life style :P
To the management of N. Home Furnishings;
I, Jessica Day, am writing a formal complaint against the manager J. W. regarding an incident that took place on October 4th, 2006. I would like to begin by referencing an earlier incident that took place shortly after I was hired in March of 2006 as I believe it directly relates to my complaint.
Mrs. W. took me aside one day and informed me that the times I was taking my breaks were unacceptable. I protested that both my direct supervisor S. F. and the manager B. P. had authorized the meal period and corresponding break in question. She informed me that Mr. P. was “only” the corporate trainer and Ms. F. was “only” a supervisor implying that I need to clear such things with her. She then went on to say, and I quote, “we don’t really take breaks here. Obviously we will if we have time but if we’re busy then we sometimes have to just skip them...” This event bothered me but I chose not do anything about it for two reasons: 1) I was a temporary employee at the time hired through Apple One Employment Agency and therefore extremely worried about the possibility of being let go without recourse; and 2) Ms. F. and my store manager J. M. were (and are) extremely good about seeing that I get the proper amount of meal and rest periods in a timely manner, and therefore Mrs. W. opinions had little effect on me. I did notice however that many of my coworkers over the last six months rarely, if ever, take their breaks. I also felt that there was a general sense amongst my coworkers that if you took your breaks, especially when it was busy, then you weren’t being a team player. It is my opinion that this is a result of comments, such as the ones I just mentioned, made by Mrs. W. This was the situation leading up to the incident I wish to discuss that took place on Wednesday October 4th, 2006.
The clerical department is currently short handed for shifts on Wednesdays with only two of us working on that particular day. When my coworker A. S. had to go home sick I was left as the only one in my department. She had spoken with Mrs. W. previously and was asked to stay until I could take my lunch. On my way to lunch I asked Mrs. W. what she would like me to do about my breaks, to which she responded, “You and your breaks! You know, you are not entitled to those breaks- they are simply a gift that the company gives you...” I started to respond but she cut me off and stated that she did not wish to argue. She told me to speak with Mr. M. Mr. M. was very helpful and offered to cover my breaks personally for which I was very grateful. I went to take my lunch and assumed that the matter was resolved. However, while I was in the break room I was relating these events to one of my coworkers when Mrs. W. came in behind me and overheard our conversation. She reasserted her opinion to those present that N. Home Furnishings is in no way required to give rest periods to its workers. She then told me that I should not mention things like that to my coworkers as it “could cause problems” and that I was only to speak with her about it. I honestly felt a little intimidated and more than a little angry. Sometime later she came and sat at the desk at 342 (which was adjacent to mine at 341) to do her work. I felt this was unusual as she nearly always sits at 302 on the East side of the building every day. At the first moment when there was neither employees nor customers near by she once more brought up the subject. This time she said that she had felt I was rude and unfair in my conversations with her that day. She proceeded to call me both “arrogant” and “selfish” for insisting upon my breaks. I began to respond but a customer came up and brought an end to the conversation.
I readily admit that I am not perfect and it could easily be argued that perhaps my manner of speaking was not what one would expect to hear from an employee to a manager. In my defense though, I must say that I do my best at all times to maintain a professional and polite demeanor. I believe that Mrs. W’s statements on that day were unkind, unwarranted, and unlawful. I understand my rights under California labor law and I know her claims as to rest periods to be false. I am frustrated by her continuous attacks on both my rights as a citizen of the state of California and upon my character. I do not deserve to be treated as lazy simply for taking two ten minute breaks each day.
In closing I would like to state that I am only upset with the opinions of Mrs. Willhouse and not with the company in general. As I previously stated Ms. F. and Mr. M. have both been courteous and studious in making sure that breaks are available to all of us. I do think some of my coworkers have gotten the wrong idea about our policies but I do not feel this is the fault of management in general. I would like to request, if I may, that a poster be placed in the break room with the other legal notices there, outlining proper meal and rest periods. I truly appreciate that time was taken to read and consider my letter.
Sincerely,
Jessica Renee Day
Yeah, so I was rather pleased with how the letter turned out and its resulting effect. My store manager even complimented me on it! I've gained a reputation at work. Some of them call me "anal" but others appreciate my attention to detail and organized work habits. At any rate, I definately stand out which I think will be to the good when my supervisor leaves and her job opens up...
In other news, I went with Papa to see Grandma over my days off. We went to Tahoe and took pictures and had a great time. Both of us stayed the night and Grandma made us all breakfast in the morning. For a little while at least it was like we were a family again. It makes me both happy and teary eyed to reflect on it now. Elana and I are doing well. Still taking things slow. I find myself missinger her during the week and counting down the days until tuesday which has become our unoficial day to meet up seeing as how she's always so busy. We get along great and I am starting to think this might get serious. Her birthday came but I haven't given her her present yet as I'm still waiting for UPS to deliver it. Her favorite book is called Game of Thrones and she has a board game by the same title which she loves. I found online an expansion back for the board game with new rules and pieces and such. I think she'll really love it and I can't wait to give it to her :) It's looking pretty definate now that Papa and Grandma are going to help me with my surgery and I'll be getting it in march of 2008. I've started writing up a budget/presentation for my Papa to convince him that I've both researched this thouroughly and that I'm responsible enough to pay back a loan of $8K. My finances are making me nervous right now though. Rent is going up by like 50 bucks and the bus pass just went up by another 5. My new cell phone will cost me another 5 a month, the laser hair removal is antother 100 each month and my health insurance is now draining 110 out of my monthly income. It's a bit scary to have so much money stuff happening at once and be contemplating taking on 16K in debt... So anyways things are going right more often than not and I'll just have to tighten my belt again and go back to my k-mart life style :P