Demanding boss

G

Gruntled

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I work in the IT Industry

Been in this job for a few years and it was ok at first but pressures have been mounting.

We are a small team that must do over time on a fixed roster. The majority of these tasks are quite mundane but apparently necessary. Any deviation from the roster means that the team must negotiate among one another to swap out. The hours for this over time can some times add up to 40 or 50 hours per month depending on how busy it gets. Some times you must be woke up at obscene hours in the morning to solve problems meant for other people or departments.

Lately our manger has made it out like we are not performing well enough because of complaints he has been receiving in terms of availability and expects us to do more over time and invest more time in the company by studying in directions that only benefit the team in the new tasks that have been taken on recently.

We cannot discuss any issues with the manager rationally as he takes all negativity personally and then lashes out. Unfortunately the manager's superior agrees with this point of view so we are for all intents and purposes facing two management stumbling blocks because the people have the same point of view which we think is a bit unfair.

Are we wrong to think we are supposed to be able to decline over time or refuse to study towards a subject that we not interested in. We just want some down time from work without a manager complaining about people not doing enough or comparing how other teams work much harder then we do.
 
Take it up with HR. You should not need to do constant OT. If they want people to work all hours then the manager should hire a night shift.

Also if the tasks are mundane and easily do-able then get the manager to look into trying to automate them if possible.
 
40-50 Hours overtime..... Pffft..... I used to klap 100-120 hours, and that was not playing with a keyboard.
 
As much as i agree with people advising talk to HR, i can tell you in most cases HR works with management, so i dont see them doing much to help you in any case, maybe send an anonymous grievance to the CEO directly. When you have 2 levels of management working against you, its going to be a really tough battle to fight unless someone impartial gets involved.
 
Gruntled said:
I work in the IT Industry

Been in this job for a few years and it was ok at first but pressures have been mounting.

We are a small team that must do over time on a fixed roster. The majority of these tasks are quite mundane but apparently necessary. Any deviation from the roster means that the team must negotiate among one another to swap out. The hours for this over time can some times add up to 40 or 50 hours per month depending on how busy it gets. Some times you must be woke up at obscene hours in the morning to solve problems meant for other people or departments.

Lately our manger has made it out like we are not performing well enough because of complaints he has been receiving in terms of availability and expects us to do more over time and invest more time in the company by studying in directions that only benefit the team in the new tasks that have been taken on recently.

We cannot discuss any issues with the manager rationally as he takes all negativity personally and then lashes out. Unfortunately the manager's superior agrees with this point of view so we are for all intents and purposes facing two management stumbling blocks because the people have the same point of view which we think is a bit unfair.

Are we wrong to think we are supposed to be able to decline over time or refuse to study towards a subject that we not interested in. We just want some down time from work without a manager complaining about people not doing enough or comparing how other teams work much harder then we do.
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You are not wrong, but you will be victimised and constructively dismissed should you decline. So either do as you are told or find new work. Sucks and unfair I know. But such is life.

Slash the pricks tyres every now and then to get some street justice.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Gruntled said:
I work in the IT Industry

Been in this job for a few years and it was ok at first but pressures have been mounting.

We are a small team that must do over time on a fixed roster. The majority of these tasks are quite mundane but apparently necessary. Any deviation from the roster means that the team must negotiate among one another to swap out. The hours for this over time can some times add up to 40 or 50 hours per month depending on how busy it gets. Some times you must be woke up at obscene hours in the morning to solve problems meant for other people or departments.

Lately our manger has made it out like we are not performing well enough because of complaints he has been receiving in terms of availability and expects us to do more over time and invest more time in the company by studying in directions that only benefit the team in the new tasks that have been taken on recently.

We cannot discuss any issues with the manager rationally as he takes all negativity personally and then lashes out. Unfortunately the manager's superior agrees with this point of view so we are for all intents and purposes facing two management stumbling blocks because the people have the same point of view which we think is a bit unfair.

Are we wrong to think we are supposed to be able to decline over time or refuse to study towards a subject that we not interested in. We just want some down time from work without a manager complaining about people not doing enough or comparing how other teams work much harder then we do.
Click to expand...
Do you get paid, and paid correctly for this overtime?

Is it on your payslip and taxed properly?
 
Stupid idea. You get caught slashing the tyres and he will get you arrested. Then trying to find a job once you are fired and have a record ain't going to be so easy
 
gregmcc said:
Stupid idea. You get caught slashing the tyres and he will get you arrested. Then trying to find a job once you are fired and have a record ain't going to be so easy
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:ROFL:If you are dumb enough to get caught, you shouldnt be employed in any position that requires thinking. And then there is our police force. :ROFL:
 
Slamz said:
As much as i agree with people advising talk to HR, i can tell you in most cases HR works with management, so i dont see them doing much to help you in any case, maybe send an anonymous grievance to the CEO directly. When you have 2 levels of management working against you, its going to be a really tough battle to fight unless someone impartial gets involved.
Click to expand...
HR is supposed to be impartial.
If they aren't, mediation should occur with an entity like the CCMA.
By saying people shouldn't approach HR for serious matters is like saying everyone can be harassed (even sexually) with no consequences.
HR is there for a specific reason.
 
|tera| said:
HR is supposed to be impartial.
If they aren't, mediation should occur with an entity like the CCMA.
By saying people shouldn't approach HR for serious matters is like saying everyone can be harassed (even sexually) with no consequences.
HR is there for a specific reason.
Click to expand...
The problem is that if you work for a smallish organization, there might not always even be a dedicated HR department. If you win a CCMA suit, your experience back at work might be a lot less pleasant than in the beginning. It's not right, but it's unfortunately how it is.
 
current law says you are not allowed to work more than 10 hrs a week overtime these days, if i remember correctly
boss is like any other typical RSA boss, taking a fat ****ing chance, and getting away with it
 
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