Wondering about unfair treatment at work..

[Dash]

I work part time for spare loose change at a grocery store - as a clerk - anyways the story goes -

I been working there for 10 years now and the supervisor I work under is a total bitch. She's really old and very sexist and very prejudiced.

Anyways, my senority is sky high. I been there for ten years. To make a story short, she isn't giving me hours at all. Even though many times I've spoken to her repeatedly asking for her to schedule me some hours. Though, week after week she doesn't put anything on the schedule for me. I dont know if this is because she's senile (she honestly looks like she's over 70) or because she's too stupid. Anyways, I've been advised by union to speak to the store manager. But everytime I call they give me the runaround, saying "he's in a meeting" or "he's not working today" (even though 99.9% of the time he is working cause I just saw him in the store, and called from a payphone just outside the store.) or "he just left".

Now its not only the supervisor I work under thats suspiciously acting unfairly. Its the assistant managers too. They always tell me the store manager isn't around or isn't available to speak to. I'm always calling the union people, but they never answer their phone. I always get their answering machine. Sorry, I'm not available at the moment, please leave a detailed message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. - - - - And when you DO leave a detailed message. They NEVER get back to you. I'm always checking my messages. And then when you do finally reach them. They always say, "I did get your message. I was going to call you.." Bullshit, lady.

Anyways, I was wondering if you guys know how I can deal with this bullshit from everyone in my store. If anyone knows if there any other way to deal with this besides the union. I want to get these supervisors and management personnel not only to give me back my hours, but to give me back some respect, not only to scare the shit out of them and get their attention, but to get them in serious trouble as well. That's right. Severe trouble. Like maybe a lawsuit. Cause I know that many times this old lady of a supervisor of mine made some really discriminatory remarks to me while in the workplace of a grocery store.

Any guys know any advice or suggestions?

P.S. Anyone know a more appropriate work-related "specialized" forum for workplace issues such as unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace that I could post this on? In the hopes to get some more views and opinions on it?

 

[papasmerf]

Sometimes when working for spare change it becomes apparent you are working a BS job. One that is as easily replced as you are in the position.

Find another BS job.

 

[Esco!]

Cause I know that many times this old lady of a supervisor of mine made some really discriminatory remarks to me while in the workplace of a grocery store.

Carry a little portable taperecorder in your pocket (the source sells them for 20 bucks), and everytime you talk to her make sure its on.
Then when she slips up she is screwed.

 

[Diode]

I work part time for spare loose change at a grocery store - as a clerk - anyways the story goes -

I been working there for 10 years now and the supervisor I work under is a total bitch. She's really old and very sexist and very prejudiced.

Anyways, my senority is sky high. I been there for ten years. To make a story short, she isn't giving me hours at all. Even though many times I've spoken to her repeatedly asking for her to schedule me some hours. Though, week after week she doesn't put anything on the schedule for me. I dont know if this is because she's senile (she honestly looks like she's over 70) or because she's too stupid. Anyways, I've been advised by union to speak to the store manager. But everytime I call they give me the runaround, saying "he's in a meeting" or "he's not working today" (even though 99.9% of the time he is working cause I just saw him in the store, and called from a payphone just outside the store.) or "he just left".

Now its not only the supervisor I work under thats suspiciously acting unfairly. Its the assistant managers too. They always tell me the store manager isn't around or isn't available to speak to. I'm always calling the union people, but they never answer their phone. I always get their answering machine. Sorry, I'm not available at the moment, please leave a detailed message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. - - - - And when you DO leave a detailed message. They NEVER get back to you. I'm always checking my messages. And then when you do finally reach them. They always say, "I did get your message. I was going to call you.." Bullshit, lady.

Anyways, I was wondering if you guys know how I can deal with this bullshit from everyone in my store. If anyone knows if there any other way to deal with this besides the union. I want to get these supervisors and management personnel not only to give me back my hours, but to give me back some respect, not only to scare the shit out of them and get their attention, but to get them in serious trouble as well. That's right. Severe trouble. Like maybe a lawsuit. Cause I know that many times this old lady of a supervisor of mine made some really discriminatory remarks to me while in the workplace of a grocery store.

Any guys know any advice or suggestions?

P.S. Anyone know a more appropriate work-related "specialized" forum for workplace issues such as unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace that I could post this on? In the hopes to get some more views and opinions on it?

With all due respect....Is there something you are not telling us?
Usually when an employee has the "feeling" that everyone is ganging up on them, they convienently forget that there are two side to every story.
Now about your problem. Write a letter to the Store manager, and cc a copy to HR, and the supervisor. (not an email..a letter) it will get results.

 

[Cassini]

This sounds like a situation where everyone has decided you are trouble for Reason X. Reason X might not even be a real reason, however if you escalate to high, then you are a trouble maker because of Reason X and because you complain.

Try and ask questions that are non-confrontational. Stuff like: how can I do better? what should I do for more hours? etc. Show eagerness and try to be a model employee. See if you can start a conversation and get some feedback. It is possible:
a) You created a negative perception at some point. They don't trust you, but they won't tell you about it either.
or
b) Someone is spreading lies about you (like your supervisor).
or
c) They want to fire you but can't, (constructive dismissal).
or
d) You really screwed up and they aren't saying why, (valid dismissal / incorrect handling).
or
e) They actually have no hours and are almost to the point of laying people off.

Here is the thing: any which way you are finished at the company. Your best move is to find a job somewhere else. Once a work environment becomes poisoned, it is very difficult to reverse the trend.

If the situation is b, c, or d, you can potentially sue. You need some evidence however. As such, it is helpful to know what other people think of you. Do you have any friends at the store? Is the supervisor saying things behind your back? Are people saying you are too old to work at the store? Is this happening to a whole bunch of people? Is it only you?

The suit hinges on the following: is it that someone is picking on you individually or a group of people specifically? Or is this a general business problem? Are lay-offs immenent? Is this a seasonal trend? For instance, retail tends to need many more workers for Christmas. You can't sue the employer for not giving you work when none is available.

Lastly, make sure you really are a good worker. It is possible that you aren't a good worker, and they just haven't mentioned the problem to you. Be nice, be conscientious, and try to take the feedback well/positively. Sometimes people are too afraid of you to tell you what you are doing wrong.

 

[nautilus]

Read your contract. Are hours to be given to part timers according to seniority? If they are, and this is not happenning, you should file a grievance. What is your union steward saying about this?
Go on line and read up on The Employment Standards Act. It has a lot of information.
If you are being treated unfairly or with prejudice, you may contact The Labour Board. Again, there is a lot of info available on line. Do some research before making any accusations.

 

[Papi Chulo]

You are obviously part of the union, paying dues.

I suggest you get your money's worth and use the union.

 

[FOOTSNIFFER]

I'm speechless...

This sounds like a situation where everyone has decided you are trouble for Reason X. Reason X might not even be a real reason, however if you escalate to high, then you are a trouble maker because of Reason X and because you complain.

Try and ask questions that are non-confrontational. Stuff like: how can I do better? what should I do for more hours? etc. Show eagerness and try to be a model employee. See if you can start a conversation and get some feedback. It is possible:
a) You created a negative perception at some point. They don't trust you, but they won't tell you about it either.
or
b) Someone is spreading lies about you (like your supervisor).
or
c) They want to fire you but can't, (constructive dismissal).
or
d) You really screwed up and they aren't saying why, (valid dismissal / incorrect handling).
or
e) They actually have no hours and are almost to the point of laying people off.

Here is the thing: any which way you are finished at the company. Your best move is to find a job somewhere else. Once a work environment becomes poisoned, it is very difficult to reverse the trend.

If the situation is b, c, or d, you can potentially sue. You need some evidence however. As such, it is helpful to know what other people think of you. Do you have any friends at the store? Is the supervisor saying things behind your back? Are people saying you are too old to work at the store? Is this happening to a whole bunch of people? Is it only you?

The suit hinges on the following: is it that someone is picking on you individually or a group of people specifically? Or is this a general business problem? Are lay-offs immenent? Is this a seasonal trend? For instance, retail tends to need many more workers for Christmas. You can't sue the employer for not giving you work when none is available.

Lastly, make sure you really are a good worker. It is possible that you aren't a good worker, and they just haven't mentioned the problem to you. Be nice, be conscientious, and try to take the feedback well/positively. Sometimes people are too afraid of you to tell you what you are doing wrong.

Where do managers get the gall to treat people like this?? How the hell do you go to a workplace and visit your prejudice/hostility on a poor shlub who's just trying to get the job done? It's happened to me in the past JUST because an idiot manager didn't like me. That was it!! My performance and attendance were actually better than the 'favoured' clique of whom the manager approved. The quality of management in Canada, I'm afraid to say, is just side-splittingly hilarious for its unprofessionalism. If I'd bought the guy drugs, like one guy did whom the guy liked, then I probably would've kept my job..

 

[CosaNostra]

Could this treatment be considered Constructive Dismissal?

Anyone?

 

[2SOON JR]

You are obviously part of the union, paying dues.

I suggest you get your money's worth and use the union.

w3rd

true story dogg, am totally with u on this

 

[yeet]

Could this treatment be considered Constructive Dismissal?

Anyone?

Unfortunately Constructive Dismissal does not apply in a Unionized workplace. In fact, with a union the employee has no remedy in the regular courts whatsoever. The Ontario Labour Relations Board has sole jurisdiction for all employment law claims in a unionized environment. I don't know the exact procedure, but the union is supposed to represent you before the OLRB. If the union refuses to pay attention to you, there would be a procedure under law for dealing with that.

There's the Labour Relations Act. http://www.canlii.org/on/laws/sta/1995c.1sch.a/20060614/whole.html I'll look it up for you.

74. A trade union or council of trade unions, so long as it continues to be entitled to represent employees in a bargaining unit, shall not act in a manner that is arbitrary, discriminatory or in bad faith in the representation of any of the employees in the unit, whether or not members of the trade union or of any constituent union of the council of trade unions, as the case may be.

96. (1) The Board may authorize a labour relations officer to inquire into any complaint alleging a contravention of this Act.

Alright, s.74 says the union has a duty not to act arbitrarily or in bad faith when representing employees in the unit. Presumably that would cover ignoring an employees complaint.

S. 96 is an enforcement section. You complain to the Ontario Labour Relations Board, and the first step is they assign an officer to investigate and attempt to mediate your complaint.

 

[Diode]

Ummm..guys...Let him write the letter before you advise Perry Mason. OK?

 

[LLL]

The "red flag" to me is that the Union is also blowing him off. There's got to be more to this story.....

 

[shakenbake]

Could this treatment be considered Constructive Dismissal?

Anyone?

Yes;

You sue for constructive dismissal because your emlpoyer doesn't treat you a syou deserve to be treated. Employees are to be treated with dignity and respect.

 

[Aircraft]

Unfair treatment at work

Re: complaint by Dash:

You need to get your act together regarding specific and verifiable accusations you are making. You also need to show that your treatment is an ongoing practice to the present. If you have objective bases for your accusations and if LRB refuses to act, then you have the option to file with the Human Rights Commission a complaint in a form approved by the Commission.

If your evidence is convincing the Commission may initiate a complaint.

Inform the Government of Ontario of your desire to submit a complaint under the Human Rights Code Statutes of Ontario 1981 Chapter 53 (and as amended to 1989).

If you have a legitimate case then you might find some recourse here. But, as I said, you need to have a very good case.

 

[fantasiafan]

call the ontario labour board.

 

[Dartman]

If there was a union this would not be happening, you mention it once to the union steward and it a done deal you get the hours

 

[Dartman]

sorry I misread it , there is a union. You make the call to the union rep.

 

[fantasiafan]

sorry I misread it , there is a union. You make the call to the union rep.

but the union rep aint replying to him...

 

[Mongrel4u]

With all due respect....Is there something you are not telling us?
Usually when an employee has the "feeling" that everyone is ganging up on them, they convienently forget that there are two side to every story.

If there truly was another side of the story they would definitely voice it which will in turn cover their ass (in which case he would know exactly what the issue is and not even be posting this)...not jerk him around.

The work place isnt always fair...its somewhat of a game for many and sometimes you can end up assed out. I've caught bosses red handed in weak lies before