Being made to go out for food after work

mymatebob

LindsayO wrote: »

I agree with the OP, that this is bad employment practice, but I also agree with the advise that she should go to the training evenings because of the current economic climate you don't want to stand out, which of course is why they can get away with this practice.

I totally sympathise with you. I hate working lunches and business meals. I work on a campus and there is a restuarant on campus and every so often we are required to go there for a working lunch. I have multiple food allergies and the last time I was there they served me a salad with pasta in it that I was allergic to, and so I asked for a replacement. When I was almost finished I noticed a piece of pasta hiding under a lettuce leaf. All they had done was scrape the pasta off the plate and re-serve it. Needless to say I was ill the next day. (and the next). So I know I can't trust them to take my allergy seriously. I've told my boss this and that I will not attend any more working lunches. so far its not been a problem

Working lunch - two words that are mutually exclusive IMHO.

We used to have briefings at my place of work which, for operational reasons could only take place at "lunchtime". So lunch was laid on and staff attended. And then much to the annoyance of the management all the people who attended the briefing went for their lunch break. Lots of unhappy clients who then had to wait an hour before the staff turned up to recommence work.

As the staff rightly pointed out just by providing food did not stop the briefing being given in working time. All staff were entitled to an hours lunch break so they all took it.

To the OP if this is work then why are you and your colleagues expected to work for nothing?
If it is merely a social event then there is no need for you to go at all.

ceridwen

Whilst I understand what the "posters" are getting at when they say words to the effect of "Turn up - give the employer unpaid overtime - otherwise you could be first in line for any redundancy going" - the fact remains its blackmail on the employer's part if they are the ones trying to get that message over.

Also - and more to the point - over all the years I have worked so far "brownnosing"/giving unpaid overtime/moving across country to keep the job/etc dont actually work as tactics anyway. I've seen someone I know specifically work their fingers to the bone and do everything the employer wanted - they still got made redundant. I've seen people move across country following their job sooner than be made redundant - and they got made redundant anyway (only they were even worse off - as they'd uprooted themselves from their home area).

Its almost like people tell themselves that doing everything the employer wants is some sort of "Protective Charm" to keep their job - its not. If they decide to make you redundant they decide to make you redundant - and no amount of doing everything they want will protect you from it. In fact I've seen people of the "Protective charm" school of thought be made redundant when others who make it plain that they are to be treated fairly by the employer and make sure they leave at going-home time keep THEIR jobs.
Nothing you can do will prevent an employer imposing a redundancy on you if they decide to and anyway there are rules laid down as to the basis on which people are selected for redundancy - not quite "the last in first out" rule any more - but they do have to use objective criteria in deciding who gets it.

therealdessie

There's a little bit more to it than redundancy, Ceridwen. I would - and do - consider all of my employees' ability to work in a team environment and to give up their own time if (rarely) needed. I don't assume it will happen, but I'm impressed when it does; and those that show they're willing to do what it takes to get the job done go a lot further with me than 9-5'ers who have little more than a "you should be glad I even bother to work for you" attitude.

Outside of redundancies I consider that when looking for people to promote, people to take on special projects, people to put forward for employee awards etc.

Kimitatsu

ceridwen wrote: »

Whilst I understand what the "posters" are getting at when they say words to the effect of "Turn up - give the employer unpaid overtime - otherwise you could be first in line for any redundancy going" - the fact remains its blackmail on the employer's part if they are the ones trying to get that message over.

I dont disagree with this ceridwen, but to be honest one or two nights a year is not going to be a problem. If it was expected on a regular basis then I would be questioning the issue as much as you are! However, as this is a new management team, personally I would go. As has been said if you really feel that it is justified, take a sick day next month to compensate for it (provided you will get paid for it).

You never know you may enjoy it more than you think.......

chuckley

y is this thread so long??

its quite simple, you dont want to go so DONT. be a pushover now and they will keep going further and further.

if the 'briefing' was soooooo important they could have done it in working hours OR paid you for the regular weekly meetings. if it was a one off, fair do's maybe you would go. but a regular work related non payment thing?? id tell them to go shove it.

all that trash about 'showing your part of a team' is to break you down and make you give in, its all complete RUBBISH!!!!! stand strong and they wont try this trash again. they cant sack you for it either, unless your contract states specifically that these meetings are included in your salary.

until then, leave when your day is done and carry on about your biz.

tomstickland

I'm amazed at the attitude of a few posters in this thread.
Describing a free meal as "unpaid overtime" in "your own time".
It sounds like a revisited late 70s militant union.

Oh well, I'm just pleased that I don't work with people like that.
I've been to a few free meals with my work over the years. We even talked about work a bit. I'm now reeling from shock in realising that they totally abused me in doing so. It was the thin end of the wedge. The next thing I knew, they were asking me whether I'd come in on Christmas day and clear out the bins as a team building exercise.

I once went on a social trip to Go Ape. I did it in my own time. Do you think I could claim back my time and the cost in getting there? The abusive !!!!!!!s also made me climb up ladders and walk along tight ropes. I can't believe in this day and age that they should be allowed to get away with this.

This is the start of a slippery slope. I had a dream about work the other day. Do you think I could claim pay for that? The evil !!!!!!!s, they're stealing my dream time.

gavin2812

Hi all, im new on the board, I popped in to ask a few questions and noticed this thread and although I dont normally participate in what has clearly become a bit of a debate, after reading all the posts on the subject, I feel I have to voice my opinion (thats what we are all here for isnt it?)

Firstly, you are, of course, free to go to this event or not, it is completely up to you. This will be your decision and no-one elses...

I suggest you go, unless you cannot actually go due to other (family) commitments.

Why do I suggest this? Well I don't think I will be adding anything else that hasn't already been said, but here goes anyway... They are serving pizza, which seems to be an issue... No problem, don't eat the pizza, order something else... I'm sure that won't be a problem... Someone mentioned alcohol... Don't drink alcohol, I'm sure that wont be a problem... having been on both side (employer and now employee) I would make sure I went, thats for sure, except of course if there was a genuine excuse for you not going... I have taken the time out to go to as many 'outings' as I have been able to attend (most unpaid) and it has paid off... As has already been mentioned, it is tough out there and getting tougher and if your team leader or manager needs to see who's willing to give that little bit extra then I'm sure this will help (as it did when I was an employer, again, unless there is a genuine reason for not attending).

I really do not see what the problem is with doing a little extra every now and then to help out... I agree with some other comments on here about some peoples 9-5 attitude as I see it frequently... If there is ever a chance of promotion then you will be on the right side... However if you are quite happy where you are and what you are doing, then of course there is no need for you to go if you are not going to get paid an extra penny...

Myself? I attend all events I am invited to to get the chance to 'mingle' with colleagues outside of work, many times footing the bill myself (my own bill of course), and before anyone dares to call me a brown-noser, that is not the case, it's called 'networking' and meeting new people. It's the way we move forward in our jobs...

Please note that this is my opinion and I´m sure everyone will agree that this is why the original question was asked... for people's opinion. It is clear that there are many different opinions on this subject, I´m sure the original poster will take the parts he/she wants and make her/his own mind up!

DKLS

tomstickland wrote: »

I'm amazed at the attitude of a few posters in this thread.
Describing a free meal as "unpaid overtime" in "your own time".
It sounds like a revisited late 70s militant union.

:T Well said Tom, I am so glad none of these types are on my team.

mymatebob

tomstickland wrote: »

I'm amazed at the attitude of a few posters in this thread.
Describing a free meal as "unpaid overtime" in "your own time".
It sounds like a revisited late 70s militant union.

Oh well, I'm just pleased that I don't work with people like that.
I've been to a few free meals with my work over the years. We even talked about work a bit. I'm now reeling from shock in realising that they totally abused me in doing so. It was the thin end of the wedge. The next thing I knew, they were asking me whether I'd come in on Christmas day and clear out the bins as a team building exercise.

I once went on a social trip to Go Ape. I did it in my own time. Do you think I could claim back my time and the cost in getting there? The abusive !!!!!!!s also made me climb up ladders and walk along tight ropes. I can't believe in this day and age that they should be allowed to get away with this.

This is the start of a slippery slope. I had a dream about work the other day. Do you think I could claim pay for that? The evil !!!!!!!s, they're stealing my dream time.

I too am amazed that some people think it is all right to work for nothing.

From my reading of the original post the OP is being asked to work longer than normally expected - for no extra remuneration. They are being offered a pizza. Big deal.

There is no such thing as a free meal.

If wanting people to be paid for the work that they do makes me sound like 70s trade unionist then I am happy to wear that label.

daphne_descends

In this economic climate I'd say it is foolish to not go for what really are petty reasons - you don't mention family or other commitments, just that you are dieting - big whoop.

Maybe you should quit and let someone more committed have your job