We got a new FE lead a month or so ago, she's OK but definitely the type to do things her way. Not overly bossy/strict, but she does *her* job the way she wants to.
Anyways, since she's started making the FE schedule, we've noticed more and more problems with people getting scheduled outside their eSchedule availability without being asked/told first. Example: Cashier told FE backup she'd like to have more hours, so she went and scheduled her to work till 11 PM, even though she can't work that late because travel. And my availability says I don't work evenings, she gave me a 2-10:30 PM desk shift for one day. It'd be different if we were asked first ("Hey, I've got a problem with making a schedule for you, in order to get you the right hours I'll need you to work such-and-such shift, is that fine by you?"), but she just casually shoots first and asks questions later (and by ask I mean her response is "Well, see if you can find someone to switch shifts with, otherwise that's what you were scheduled").
Is this something she can do, or do we need to start going over her head when she does this? I think it's definitely a bit rude for starters, but does it break any rules or does "needs of the business" or whatever BS overrule all that?
Unless you just absolutely need the hours, I'd just straight up tell them "I'm not going to be able to make that shift you scheduled me, you need to find someone else to fill it.". And then if they haven't covered it out and still expect you to work it, call in sick. They can't punish you, and unless your contract requires a doctor's note for calling in sick for just one day, then you should be fine.
I look at it like, they have your availability, you told them in advance you weren't going to make that shift, so it's on them if they can't get it covered.
Before switching departments, my old boss tried doing that to me. I had a specific availability set that didn't include graveyard hours. He tried to schedule me a 4am-8am shift, and I went into his office and straight up told him that I wasn't going to do the shift because it was outside of my availability, and that he needs to get someone else to do so. Within 2 days he had it rescheduled and set-up with someone else to cover it.
So yeah, if you need specific times off, and aren't hurting for hours, just call in "sick" on that day if they haven't covered it out. They've had ample notice.
if your availability was approved and you can't do the shift tell them that you are unable to work that shift. You can't be punished but they might look less favorably on you the next time.
They can -NOT- force you to work outside your approved availability.
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Would you like fries with th... I mean, your milk in a bag?
That happened to me once. I kept telling her I couldn't work when she was scheduling me outside of my availability. Week after week she kept doing it. I finally called the union and they told me how to file a grievance. My union rep also told me I did not have to work outside my availability and to not show up if she kept doing it. I told her what the union said and what I was going to do and she never did it again. They try to push you around thinking they can get away with it and they do until you push back!
