Workplace Challenges
Dealing with a pay cutQ: My husband works for a Canadian subsidiary of a U.S. manufacturing firm. In December 2008, everyone's pay was slashed 10%. In May 2009, everyone took another 10% pay cut. VERA N. HELD |
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Starting June 2009, the company stated staff could work 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily or take Fridays off. We've got two costly teens and this 20% cut has been hard on us. I work too and have been with my wonderful employer for close to 20 years; she gave me a raise in January 2009 which helped us big time.
A: Finding work for Fridays "only" could be tough. Your hubby might be better off looking for a new, full-time job and make a clean break. Alternatively, he can look to two, 20-hour a week part-time jobs. Give your great boss the kudos extraordinaire that she deserves for coming through in a crunch. Stay strong and focused at work and at home. Best of luck.
Q: I'm an independent sales and marketing consultant and I was asked to replace for the next three months a woman who is off on medical leave. When I returned from lunch my first day on the job, I found a note on my desk saying, "Great to have you. Don't get too comfortable." I wasn't too impressed.
A: Clearly, your presence is a threat to this woman's livelihood, so sick or not, she popped in to let you know who's got the steady paycheque. Your job: Do your job and excel at it. Make a name. Leave a mark. Render yourself indispensable. And while you're at it, help to make the team stronger. Once this woman's back, if there's an opportunity to carry on with this employer, do so. Otherwise, bundle your talents and go off to the next contract.
Q: The owner of the fast-food franchise where I've worked for several years still pays me minimum wage. There are no benefits. My partner recently lost his job; his benefits covered my costly prescription medications. Here's the rub: I'm the key holder and open up five mornings a week. I'm also in my 40s with grown children. My boss is a bear and I'm scared if I talk to him, I'll lose my job.
A: Your boss trusts you with the keys to his kingdom. Now let him pony up or risk losing his right-hand gal. Research the hourly rate for weekday key holders at franchise operations similar to yours and prepare your case -- that is if you still want to work there. The "bear" has indeed taken advantage of you, and I'm sorry to say, you've let him. As the regular Monday to Friday key holder, you've proven just how responsible and dependable you are. Any good employer would welcome you to his or her team -- at a fair wage. "Fair" would be based on your industry knowledge, customer service expertise, your loyalty and length of service plus all the responsibility and accountability that you've assumed as key holder. You go girl!
Vera Held (www.veraheld.com) is a coach, facilitator, speaker, writer, PR consultant and the author of How Not to Take it Personally. Send your tough workplace questions to Vera at vheld@sympatico.ca.
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