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Post Info TOPIC: Benefits Listed: Vacation Time, Benefits Given: Anything But Vacation Time


Chanel

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Posts: 3197
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Benefits Listed: Vacation Time, Benefits Given: Anything But Vacation Time
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have you ever been in a job where they wouldn't give you earned vacation time due to staffing?  i started a new part time (almost full time...30+ hours a week) job in July and while i love it, they are not letting me use my earned vacation time because they are so under-staffed. 


i have family out of state and almost had to stay home for both thanksgiving (had to for my full time job) AND christmas.  i worked thanksgiving at the part time job, but christmas i needed to travel.  they didn't tell me about my request until the first week in december!  i requested the time off in september.  with travel, it made it A LOT  more expensive of a trip, not to mention  stressful until that point because i didn't know if i was getting it off.  the other staff lives in the area and doesn't need to travel.  i only took two days off during that break. 


so far i've taken three extended weekend (two they knew about before i was hired).  they just gave me my birthday off (only using one day) because the place is closed one day and because it's my dad's birthday too.  again, they told me last weekend and i'm leaving next weekend. 


my six month review is coming up and i would like to address the issue.  i tend to nickle and dime my vacation days while my manager will take a two week vacation.  i haven't had any sick days and i show up on time and stay as needed.  my last review was very very favorable and my manager and i get along as friends. 


my objective to have vacation granted because i earn it in a timely fashion (meaning at least three weeks in advance) and to be able to plan a 5 day trip in april.  i have already told her i have no forseeable requests for the next two months. 


can you ladies give me some dialogue that i can use with her that doesn't seem snotty, but in the same breath, it gets the point across that this is non-negotiable and i will leave (and that would be the only reason i would leave) if it's not met.  their under-staffing is not my fault. 



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"i tell you one lesson I learned If you want to be something in life, You ain't gonna get it unless, You give a little bit of sacrifice, Oohh, sometimes before you smile you got to cry.." -The Roots


Coach

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Posts: 1540
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i don't really have any experience in this matter, but i just wanted to wish you good luck.

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nonsense!


Hermes

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Maybe you can approach the topic as a "this is our problem and let's work to solve it" perspective.  You could say something along the lines of "I'd like some clarification on the vacation policy.  I feel a bit confused about it.  For example, last September I put in a request for vacation days to be used in December and wasn't notified that it was approved/needed to be changed until a week (or two) before.  I felt like I gave reasonable notice for those vacation days and was surprised that I didn't get approved until a week/two weeks before.  In the future, how much notice should I give for vacation if I need to make flight/travel arrangements?"


Don't tell them that you quit if this can't be fixed.  That'll immediately turn them off and make you seem uncompromising.  Let them know you're willing to work with them and hopefully they'll be willing to work with you to make it easier.


ETA:  Good luck!



-- Edited by NCshopper at 11:57, 2007-01-05

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Hermes

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Are you in a position where you could arrange your own coverage with your coworkers?  Mr. Elle has done this in the past - talked previously with a coworker or two and asked if they'd be willing to take his shifts for either immediate trade of one of theirs or for trade at a later date when they need a day off.  Then when the manager balks at the request and tries to deny it, their reasons are moot because you've already fixed the problem of staffing.  IMO coworkers are more likely to help another coworker (if they're friendly with each other, at least) than help The Boss - so better the request for coverage come directly from those needing to be covered, rather from the boss.  From the boss feels just like extra work with no recognition.  From the coworker feels like helping someone out, plus you get to trade for your own day off in the future.

-- Edited by Elle at 12:24, 2007-01-05

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Chanel

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Posts: 3197
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no, there's no way that i can get someone to cover for me.  me and one other girl pretty much split the schedule and both have other jobs.  they can get along without me, it's just a bit harder.  


i am just upset because i nickle and dime my vacation and in the grand scheme of things i only have taken two days in six months, they are just saving theirs for a two week vacation.  i am the "new" girl so i think that's an issue too, plus, i think it's coming from upper management, not my direct manager. 


i actually have a meeting this evening about it...kinda (a performance review)and i won't have the attitude it's all or nothing, i just want them to know that the benefits feel a bit falsely described.  i need some quick help so that i know how to respond and so i don't get so emotional. 



__________________
"i tell you one lesson I learned If you want to be something in life, You ain't gonna get it unless, You give a little bit of sacrifice, Oohh, sometimes before you smile you got to cry.." -The Roots


Chanel

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Posts: 3120
Date:
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I agree with NCShopper's advice - the attitude is, "Hey, I know I'm the new girl, so what can I  do differently next time so my request for a vacation day isn't a problem for you and for me?"


In their defense, maybe way back in September, they expected to have hired a third person by the time you wanted the days off. As time went by they realized that wasn't going to happen. Otherwise I agree that being understaffed isn't your fault, but apparently it is your problem!


All in all, though, this is a big black mark on your employer. Shame on them. Start cruising the classifieds, because two more strikes and they're out.


 



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