New Warehouse Job and a cleaning rota.

Mr_Linnet

I have recently started a new job as a Warehouse Assistant and Drivers Mate. I am currently one month into a 3 month probationary period. Sometime ago during a pre work training session it was mentioned that a rota would be devised to include all staff taking their turn in the cleaning of the staff toilets and canteen.

I informed the manager that I would not be using the staff toilets or canteen and therefore wish not to be included in the rota. I was informed that everyone would take their turn and the manager used the analogy of getting his two young lads to clean their bedrooms at the weekend before getting their pocket money.

Does anyone have any advice or knowledge as to whether I am obliged to clean the toilets and canteen or whether I can opt out without any disciplinary action?

Many thanks in advance for all replies.

Emmzi

does your contract include a clause about "any other reasonable duties"?

If so, and appropriate PPE is there, it's reasonable. Are you bothered about passing probation and being kept on?

dickydonkin

I informed the manager that I would not be using the staff toilets or canteen and therefore wish not to be included in the rota.

Probably not a wise thing to do on a probationary period - I would try to emphasise what I can do, not what I won't do.

I would suspect that 'housekeeping' would be mentioned somewhere on your job spec/contract and you will have to agree to that (assuming you are offered the job).

I can guarantee that if you won't do it - then someone will - gladly!

Googlewhacker

Mr_Linnet wrote: »

I have recently started a new job as a Warehouse Assistant and Drivers Mate. I am currently one month into a 3 month probationary period. Sometime ago during a pre work training session it was mentioned that a rota would be devised to include all staff taking their turn in the cleaning of the staff toilets and canteen.

I informed the manager that I would not be using the staff toilets or canteen and therefore wish not to be included in the rota. I was informed that everyone would take their turn and the manager used the analogy of getting his two young lads to clean their bedrooms at the weekend before getting their pocket money.

Does anyone have any advice or knowledge as to whether I am obliged to clean the toilets and canteen or whether I can opt out without any disciplinary action?

Many thanks in advance for all replies.

Is it really that bad to clean the toilets every now and then?

Mr_Linnet

Thank you very much for all the prompt responses. I understand the content and sentiment of all the replies.

I have elected to not use the canteen or toilets to date, this way I can`t be blamed for leaving something in a mess that I don`t frequent. I usually sit in my car and each my lunch.

The younger staff ( who seem to be barely passed potting training themselves ) have little or no respect for people who have to follow them. In addition there are trademen still working on the building some of whom have no scruples.

Shouldn`t it be a case of educating these people to use the facilities with more respect rather than "tarring everyone with the same brush"?

I am not old fashioned or a stick in the mud and I am certainly not prudish but I do have some principles and respect for other peoples property when used.

custardy

I would say you may as well use the canteen/toilets
you are on a probationary period and the rota will take no notice for what you use.
as long as its fairly split between the staff then i dont see the issue
if its a deal breaker for you then it maybe for the employer too

Hammyman

Indeed. It would be viewed as being bolshy and branding you a troublemaker and there is no way you can guarantee you will never use the toilets and once the outside temperature drops below zero in a couple of months are you really going to eat outside?

By all means refuse once you've got a year in but up to then you can be dismissed without reason.

Person_one

So you're eating in your car... but where are you going to the toilet? :eek:

MrRedundant

I personally would have serious concerns about the mentality of a staff member who took that approach. Do you not think trying to make an effort to be flexible and get on with colleagues and management is a good idea?

scooby088

I think everyone is right here even the OP, but i would keep my nose clean for the first three months anyway, after all the toilet and cleaning duties are a small price to pay for having a job.

Mr_Linnet

Many thanks for all the responses.

Person_one wrote: »

So you're eating in your car... but where are you going to the toilet? :eek:

Fortunately I don`t have to use the toilet that often but should I need the loo at lunchtime there is a takeaway where I purchase a drink or even D.I.Y store next door.

MrRedundant wrote: »

I personally would have serious concerns about the mentality of a staff member who took that approach. Do you not think trying to make an effort to be flexible and get on with colleagues and management is a good idea?

I am of a stable mental disposition. I have demonstrated I am flexible and willing to undertake other tasks including D.I.Y jobs/projects and working hours over and above my contracted hours. I have a good repore with my work colleagues and in fact I am not the only one concerned about the toilet issue.
I personally think the management should be more concerned about the mental state of some of the toilet/canteen users. Surely the disgraceful manners shouldn`t be condoned!

scooby088 wrote: »

I think everyone is right here even the OP, but i would keep my nose clean for the first three months anyway, after all the toilet and cleaning duties are a small price to pay for having a job.

Funnily enough I agree with your comments. However its the behaviour of the uncouth minority that brought about my post. The management have recently been carrying out random toilet checks but the culprits have not been found!