Not sure what I should do

BunnieJ

Hi Everyone,

You may have seen my previous threads regarding my employer.

If not see below for background info:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4952873

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4918646

For anyone who hasn't read, my company recently employed two new people as "support staff" (let's call them Receptionist A and Receptionist . They get paid 4k more than I do for doing an almost identical job to me.

I've been struggling on low wages and was outraged when I found out the diffences in our salary; especially as I had put myself forward for the postion and was told by my manager that he didn't want me to apply!

Anyway, a new issue has now arisen. Receptionist A has been working as support staff for about a month, visiting all the different offices and they're not happy with her work. As the manager of my office was the one who employed her, she has been given the responsibiliy of sorting this problem out. For now she has decided to have a meeting with her and put her back in our office for more training (although I think it's because nobody else wants her in their office so she needs to work somewhere).

Another colleague has suggested that I ask my manger if I can temporarily swap jobs with Receptionist A, at least until she is fully trained (also, showing that I am capable of doing the support staff job).

On the one hand I think this would be a good idea. It shows that I am willing, capable and eager to take on more hours. However, I don't want my current office to think I want to leave them or think I see myself as better than Receptionist A.

My friend thinks that this would be a good starting point as I'm not making any demands. But he also said I could just call their bluff and flat out tell them to give me a raise or give me Receptionist A's job, as clearly she's not right for the role.

What do you think I should do?

somethingcorporate

I think outwardly criticising a colleagues ability to do a job is not going to win you any friends, especially if it is to someone that recruited the person of questionable ability.

I'd suggest the job swap/share so you can demonstrate your ability but I am not sure you are in any position to demand anything.

BunnieJ

somethingcorporate wrote: »

I think outwardly criticising a colleagues ability to do a job is not going to win you any friends, especially if it is to someone that recruited the person of questionable ability.

I'd suggest the job swap/share so you can demonstrate your ability but I am not sure you are in any position to demand anything.

I haven't critisised Receptionist A's ability, from what I've seen she seems perfectly capable of the job and is really nice to work with. It's the other offices that have made complaints.

I think it would be silly of me to make demands, I would prefer to sufgest a job swap/share but I'm worried even that may cause a problem

silentkiller

Because it would seem to be a temporary switch (until Rec.A is trained) then I would just remain where you are.

if you switch and she is only in training for a few months, you may ruin the dynamics you have already with your current office-mates for a matter of a few months.

I know everyone says "care about yourself, no one else" I am telling you, from my experience, it is better to have some friends in an office, than none at all.

BunnieJ

Because it would seem to be a temporary switch (until Rec.A is trained) then I would just remain where you are.

I was sort of hoping that I could prove myself, thus be kept on in the postion...maybe that's a little naive?

if you switch and she is only in training for a few months, you may ruin the dynamics you have already with your current office-mates for a matter of a few months.

I know everyone says "care about yourself, no one else" I am telling you, from my experience, it is better to have some friends in an office, than none at all.

I completely understand your point, I definately don't want to spoil the good atmosphere we have at my office, but I also want to do what's best for me.

k12479

Personally, I would keep quiet and just continue doing your job while looking for another one. If asked to fill in for Receptionist A, I would agree but only on the condition of a pay rise to match your newer colleagues.

BunnieJ wrote: »

I was sort of hoping that I could prove myself, thus be kept on in the postion...maybe that's a little naive?

A circa 30% pay rise for effectively the same job is pretty huge. I suspect even if you were to make a lot of effort and impress you may just be rewarded with a much smaller increase.

BunnieJ

So I've just spoken to my OH about the situation, he thinks I should do as you've suggested and not say anything. I feel like I'm constantly having to bite my tongue/keep my mouth shut when I feel so annoyed at my company's lack of equality

I'm just fed up with it all right now! :mad:

The worst part is that I've settled down where I work and started making good friends. I don't want to ruin this or have go back to square one in a new company.

RiverStar

Hi Bunny,

I agree with the others who have said to remain where you are. If asked help out, of course but as you know, your company will continue to pay you what they want.

From their point of view, they are happy to pay you a lesser wage than your co workers, as you are still doing the role regardless.

I think, if I were you, l would keep looking for another post.

I hope things work out for you.

getmore4less

BunnieJ wrote: »

I haven't critisised Receptionist A's ability, from what I've seen she seems perfectly capable of the job and is really nice to work with. It's the other offices that have made complaints.

I think it would be silly of me to make demands, I would prefer to sufgest a job swap/share but I'm worried even that may cause a problem

So what problems does she have at these other offices?

I would be looking into this, any contacts at the other offices you can make some enquiries.

I would be concerned makes no sense to be OK in one office and a problem in others.

Manager might be trying to save face and you and up with a long term problem.

[Deleted User]

I'd leave this situation well, well, well alone.
Personnel matters are not other staff's business, think I've said that before always remember the greatest telling of I got was about this so learnt then do not mention other staff. You can find another job or get ready to apply if the vacancy comes up? as we live in a hard world, doubt anyone gets kept on long if under achieving.

silentkiller

BunnieJ wrote: »

I was sort of hoping that I could prove myself, thus be kept on in the postion...maybe that's a little naive?



I completely understand your point, I definately don't want to spoil the good atmosphere we have at my office, but I also want to do what's best for me.

The thing is she may end up resenting you because she would then be out of a job?

and of course as everyone has pointed out, I doubt they would offer you her wages.

Again it all relates to friendships/good acquaintances and it all depends on what you think is more important.