To think my manager could have been more understanding?

iloveOrlandoFlorida

I got a formal warning from my manager for being late to work on Friday. All ready to go out the door, my 4 year old daughter asks for a quick drink of milk, quickly got her a cup of milk and next minute she pours it all over me causing me to have to get changed again and then be late for work.

comeandgo

To get a formal warning I would think your previous record is not squeaky clean?

iloveOrlandoFlorida

comeandgo said:

To get a formal warning I would think your previous record is not squeaky clean?

The last time I was late was last August. I'm hardly ever late.

kingfisherblue

iloveOrlandoFlorida said:

I got a formal warning from my manager for being late to work on Friday. All ready to go out the door, my 4 year old daughter asks for a quick drink of milk, quickly got her a cup of milk and next minute she pours it all over me causing me to have to get changed again and then be late for work.

Did she spill it or pour it all over you? There's a difference. You make it sound as though it was deliberate (and it may have been). It's not your employer's fault that you were late. I assume that you apologised and offered to make up the time?

Savvy_Sue

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but your manager isn't paid to be understanding. They're paid to manage. And I'm guessing there's a requirement for people to be there on time: to open safely, to work safely.

And also, your home situation has nothing to do with work. You could be juggling a disabled child, an elderly parent, a dying spouse and a sick pet, but that's for you to manage. If work can accommodate a request for flexibility, happy days. They're not obliged to do so.

To be more helpful, perhaps:
Are you familiar with your company's disciplinary procedures? Were they followed? Did you have the right of appeal? Did you appeal?

Are you in a union?