I’m having a bit of trouble at work lately.
I’m a disability support worker and have worked in a supported accomodation residence for the last 8 years.
Recently, my company has merged with another company and formed a new one.
Staff and boss have remained the same.
What has changed is a lot of people are reporting others for minor things and we are getting into major trouble for them
About a month ago, I was called into the office for a meeting with my supervisor and HR, alleging I failed to prepare ingredients for the sleepover staff to make the evening meal, that I did not assist a client to make her bed and that I spent most of a shift laying on the bed in the staff room (used for sleepovers) on my phone and that I am often on my phone
None of these things were true.
The only occasion I was on my phone was on a break.
Now I’m being called in again tomorrow for alleged mobile phone use and for supposedly saying “I can go on my phone now that client X isn’t here to dob me in”, which is absolutely not true at all. I did not say that, and I have no idea who reported me last time, that client or otherwise.
Two staff members have told me that I need to be very careful especially around phones and that management is “gunning for” me.
They won’t tell me who has reported me, despite it being my right to do so, and they also tell others who has reported them and did so on the occasion that I reported someone years ago.
Everyone else DOES use their phone on shift and a good many carry them in their pockets despite not being allowed to.
Yet the moment I touch mine, I’m reported and dragged into the office.
Others are allowed to go out for numerous cigarette 🚬 breaks. If me touching my phone is time off the floor and detracts from quality of care got clients then surely so does going out for a smoke?
I’m feeling really stressed, victimised and bullied and I don’t know where to go for help.
Trouble at work
Trouble at work
Posted in:
Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression, Self Care, Health & Wellbeing, IM's In Business
5 Replies
Do you have a union?
Yes. I spoke to them yesterday afternoon and have been advised not to attend the scheduled meeting between myself, supervisor and HR until the union rep can be there.
They have sent an email to HR on my behalf canceling today’s meeting.
Surely after all the crap that has gone down with disability there are cameras in common areas?
Are you being really honest with yourself about your phone usage. I’m always shocked how time flies when I’m on the phone.
I work in hospitality and having the phone out is an absolute no no. Because I have kids and some with special needs I wear an iwatch. It’s always in silent but allows me to glance at it quickly for text messages. A friend recently commented how she felt like our conversations are less distracted now we both have the watches.
We don’t have cameras in any areas. Our supervisor says this is a breach of the clients right to privacy.
I only check my phone momentarily on breaks.
We don’t have scheduled breaks as such, but other staff go out for smoke breaks regularly, so I go into the office to see if I have messages. I don’t sit there on Facebook or talking to my partner.
Recently I went to the office and checked and my mum had called five times so I texted her back asking if she’s ok and telling her I’ll call her when my shift is over.
Of course, I got reported for it.
That really sucks. I’ve been in a very similar situation that is also rearing it’s ugly head again
My advice is to document absolutely everything. You may need it later on. Always ask for confirmation of discussions in email form.
Speak to the union, but also speak to Fair Work Commission.
Ask what evidence they are relying on and for specific examples of when you were on your phone - day, time, conversation had etc. if they don’t provide this, they can’t take it further.
Make a note of any other disciplinary action you note among other staff, this may help later in proving that they disproportionately dealt with matters concerning you.
And don’t touch your phone at all during shifts. If you do, make sure all co workers know you are on a break