Seasonal contract issues

sarahevie1

I've had a seasonal contract with a well known supermarket for two years. I've worked for the company since 2011 in total.
My seasonal contract states I have to work 8 weeks (minimum 1 shift) per year. I'm a teacher, so I usually work summer hols and Christmas. 
I worked 10 shifts over Christmas 2019, however I received a letter today saying I agreed to work for 8 weeks per year and to date I have not returned.
I've been invited to a meeting in 3 days time (I can't attend as I'll be teaching) to discuss the reason for me not returning to work, to decide if it may be appropriate to continue or end my employment.
I'm not making excuses but I haven't been offered any shifts since Christmas so don't feel I have refused to work, but equally I know I haven't been proactive in securing shifts and keeping in touch. 
Not sure what the best course of action is?

sarahevie1

I didn't know there was an issue either but it's a formal meeting and I've been offered a trained colleague rep, work colleague or trade union rep. 

It says the purpose of the meeting is to:
Discuss the reason for you not returning to work.(to be fair I haven't worked since Jan)
Decide if it may be appropriate to continue or end your employment. 

My issues are I can't attend the meeting and can't be bothered with formal meetings for what had always been a low number of weeks work. I've always turned up been reliable when I've been on 'my weeks.' never phoned in sick. Worked Any hrs days, nights, weekends, departments etc but I appreciate my availability hasn't been great this year. 

I suspect 6 months not doing a shift has triggered something in hr. 

What would anyone do to resolve? 

sharpe106

Inform them you can't attend that date and give them some dates you can attend. As without knowing what the real issue is nobody knows. It could be a new manager who does not want to have seasonal workers or understands that is all you do when schools are closed. 

Savvy_Sue

I'd write, setting out what you've said above, stating that you are unable to attend the meeting because this is a second job and you are at your first job. 

Make the point that you have not been offered any shifts since Christmas, and say when you would be available for a meeting. 

If you want to keep this job, I'd join a union. Mind you, it's possible that if you're in a teaching union that they would give you some advice (and I hope you are in a teaching union.)