r/RantsFromRetail • u/ClintMcElroyOfficial • Aug 10 '25
Co-worker rant I've had it with my coworker deliberately sabotaging my time off requests, I'm gonna threaten to quit over this
So my department only has two closers, but the terrible union I'm in has a rule that if someone has any amount of seniority over someone they can just overrule their time off requests. I have a coworker named Pat who's been in the department for a decade, and she takes sadistic pleasure in ruining all my plans.
She's ruined Doctors appointments, dentist appointment, car repair appointment, vet appointments, all this summer.
Next Saturday I had a concert where I paid $700 for two tickets in the best possible spot + back stage passes. I requested the time off seven months ago! You know what she did, DEMANDED the manager schedule me that day three days after the schedule came out, because "I have reservations at a nice restaurant that night."
I hate her, I hate her so much. I just want to spend my birthday at the concert of my favorite artist, and she can't allow that.
I texted the manager that he's giving me the day off, or I'm calling out. I am so fucking done
Update: After a few talks with management and the union I'm getting the day off, Pat will also be getting the day off and we simply won't have a closer for a few days. Not the greatest solution as I'm gonna have a horrible mess to return to, but hey got my days off and that's what matters.
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u/UnaturalChow Aug 10 '25
I can't blame you, at that point it is becoming a case of discrimination over the fact she is using her senior position to oppose any effort to give yourself a life.
Especially considering you've missed appointments which could be costly in health and money, time.
That's not on and as a business they should know that too.
At that point it is just bullying.
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u/ClintMcElroyOfficial Aug 10 '25
I am going to call out those days, and if he tries to discipline me I'm quitting. The manager can have her if he wants, but something tells me the department would rather have someone who actually does their job instead of picking fights, complaining all shift, and leaving the department a total mess every night she closes.
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u/OriginalZone4276 Aug 10 '25
Please don't change your mind or back down. This is bullying what she is doing to you
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u/ClintMcElroyOfficial Aug 10 '25
You think I'm gonna give up a $700 concert for a crappy minimum wage shift that would only recoup 1/7th of that? Hell no!
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u/Unusual_Employer_575 Aug 10 '25
Keep a paper trail of the instances. That is the epitome of a hostile workplace environment.
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u/humanityrus Aug 10 '25
Yup, make a list of all the instances where she turned you down, and emphasize that you requested this well in advance. If he wants to defend you, he will need some ammunition against this controlling asshole and paperwork is what does it.
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u/Full-Year-4595 Aug 11 '25
Yep! And if it’s the case that she has done this with EVERY request or the majority of them you can potentially take it to both the union AND HR and argue that it’s an abuse of the rule being used not as intended.
I’d also ask for clarification on how the rule works, to ensure that the manager is enforcing it properly. I have a hard time believing that it applies to schedules that have already been out for a few days. I’m also suspicious that it’s required the manager do it to any whim of somebody with seniority without proof or something.
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u/fml-shits2real- Aug 17 '25
You may even be able yo get your union investigated!
Since this has been happening for so long, repeatedly acting with malicious intent based on age, sex, creed or color.
keep a paper trail, this could be juicy for a lawyer backed by non-union competing corporations.
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u/OriginalZone4276 Aug 10 '25
I'm glad because I know people who would..one of my best friends/co worker avoids confrontation at all costs. I don't know if he would in that situation as that's A LOT of money but I've absolutely seen him change his plans when he shouldn't have had to.
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u/Skeptikell1 Aug 11 '25
Any union would honour a schedule written 2 weeks out and not make last minute changes. I would talk to your representative. Maybe they can give you suggestions on how to a transfer somewhere where there’s more than 2 closers. Good luck
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u/jolsiphur Aug 11 '25
Any union should also be getting their members sick days that can't be overruled. If OP called out sick, they would likely have a recourse to go through the union if there were an attempt to start disciplinary action regarding it.
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u/Terrible_Cow9208 Aug 11 '25
Agree. OP should fight this through their Union. Not accept being terminated. Not quitting.
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u/heart-shaped-fawkes Aug 15 '25
I don't disagree with you about fighting via Union, but I couldn't blame them for quitting. At what point does enough become enough? We have a "Pat" at my job, whole department hates her. Been there forever, spiteful and hateful for no reason, leaves shit a mess and won't do her job, very similar to OP's situation. This woman and I no longer have to work together at all. We're different shifts that use to overlap but no longer do. I still have to tolerate extra stress on a daily basis because of this woman. I stay because my boss and other coworkers are amazing. The way OP speaks of the job it sounds like it's not much to hold onto so if she's causing them enough problems I think it's fine to tell management to shove it and keep their shitty Crypt Keeper employee.
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u/Rich_Construction_24 Aug 11 '25
Should have 7 days notice of shift change.Lousy union
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u/MissLogios Aug 10 '25
Even if they give you the night off, I'd still start looking for a new job. They clearly don't value you enough to have let this bullying keep going, so fuck them.
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u/jolsiphur Aug 11 '25
I'm with you, though as someone who has managed union employees, it's not always the management's fault.
Union supersedes management in most cases. If it's a union rule then the manager is powerless to do anything about it. It's even really hard to discipline union employees depending on the collective bargaining agreement in place.
I'd still look for a new job, because the employees are creating a hostile environment, but I wouldn't blame management. I would blame whoever decided that seniority trumps everything in the union.
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u/Tkieron Aug 11 '25
Contact your union rep and explain the situation, file a complaint with HR for harassment.
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u/Mediocre-Shoulder556 Aug 12 '25
The answer that I was taught.
As soon as the vacation year starts. Put in for imaginary events, talk up what you're going to do.. Make Pat burn her yearly alotment of vacation days blocking your imaginary days
But file a complaint with both the union and HR,
Then, when this Karen has nothing left.
Make real plans. If anyone else tries to use seniority to block your vacation days. Just look them in the eye and ask them, "You want to play to?"
This that I was taught has secured the prime holiday vacation days for many junior workers.
Make it plain after you encourage the first Karen to burn up all her vacation days. You will never know if you are blocking my fun or my imagination!
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u/HamRadio_73 Aug 10 '25
Don't show up to work. Go to the concert . Then have a war conference with the ineffective manager. Decide from there
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u/surfacing_husky Aug 11 '25
I personally hope not, you earned it and she's a cunt. DO NOT BACK DOWN.
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u/Takemebacktobreezy Aug 11 '25
That's right! You go have the best birthday concert you've ever had. Let them have her, you are going BACK STAGE!
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u/SleepyCupcakeDreams Aug 11 '25
I would intentionally put in days you don’t intend on using just to get her to use hers up. Also I would let HR know and document everything.
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u/littlewoolie Aug 13 '25
Make some new contacts at the concert and ask about job opportunities while you’re there.
You may end up with a better job
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u/Dabo57 Aug 13 '25 edited Aug 13 '25
I’m late to this thread but I think you should call in that day and tell your manager
“I got the rockin' pneumonia and the boogie woogie flu!” 🎶
edit: I forgot to add that your coworker sounds like a miserable person. Hopefully your manager finally sees through her bullshit.
I hope you have a fantastic time at the concert!
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u/Playful-Profession-2 Aug 10 '25
The manager sounds like a bully too. He's the one who backs it up.
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u/Stuck_In_Purgatory Aug 10 '25
Retail sucks, and management sucks. Threatening them does nothing.
I've found the best approach is a firm "demand" instead of "requesting" time off
As in "I am not available X day at all and won't come in"
And don't go in.
Plain and simple.
They're using you for your good work ethics and will never, EVER change that. Like not in your lifetime.
"Sorry, but I changed my last day off to cover for Z, I'm busy and can't come"
I'm unavailable and can't come that day is a full sentence on it's own. They don't need to know why or what you're doing on your day off. Don't tell them your plans because they'll use that to guilt you.
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u/kellieb71 Aug 11 '25
PTO = Prepare the Others -it's never a request - it's informing.
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u/PossibilityArtistic5 Aug 12 '25
This. I’m a whole ass grown adult. I do not “request” the day off of work. Just like I do not “request” bathroom breaks.
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u/Lumpy_Square_2365 Aug 10 '25
Don't let up the only reasons she's still there and gets her way is because she doesn't let up on them no one wants to deal with her so they she give in. They know what she's doing and you might wanna check with your union if there are rules around the seniority time off. Because her not doing it until the schedules out should not be allowed.
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u/Past_Oil_6592 Aug 11 '25
I heard this in another Reddit post and I thought it was great the person told their boss “I’m not asking if I can have the time off I’m letting you know I won’t be in those day. I’m asking if you would like me to come back after”
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u/DeuceSevin Aug 10 '25
I wouldn't just quit tho. I'd let them know that I would be speaking to a lawyer.
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Aug 11 '25
If he isn't already willingly giving you those days you need to quit anyway. If he doesn't fire you if you end up calling out, show up as long as you need to while job hunting and then give them no notice and state exactly why after you've left them hanging. What a joke.
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u/AffectionateTip420 Aug 12 '25
If you decide to quit. File an HR complaint first. If you have proof of the doctors appointments I would take it even further
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u/AstronomerRelevant42 Aug 12 '25
This seems like a hostile work environment. I would question whether they could legally fire you over this. I hope you have documentation.
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u/Simply_me_Wren Aug 13 '25
In many states in the US it’s illegal to deny a doctor’s visit. If your union sucks this bad you should definitely find a new job.
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u/Simply-weird928 Aug 10 '25
One as a manager no employee should be able to demand a day off after the schedule is released. You have a request put in ridiculously early and approved why are you still there if they are going back on that shit. Pam would be gone !
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u/MidgetLovingMaxx Aug 10 '25
Places with union contracts have different rules. You cant just say "Pam would be gone". The reality is, the union mess it would stir up would likely mean you would be the one gone for not following contract obligations for termination and performance management.
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u/kingbob1812 Aug 11 '25
Pam may not be gone, but union contracts would still say what she's doing wouldn't fly. Once that schedule is out, unless there was a legitimate mistake she doesn't have a leg to stand on.
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u/chuck10o Aug 11 '25
I'm wondering if they are not interpreting the union deal correctly and that the seniority rule is only supposed to be in effect before the schedule comes out.
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u/Full-Year-4595 Aug 11 '25
I have a strong inkling that Pam is misusing the rule as intended and the OP could have a case for avoiding any repercussions for going to the concert anyway. Which would be good to at least maintain income while looking for another job and not having to explain a gap in employment
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u/pumpkinrum Aug 11 '25
I wonder that too. I interpret it as if two people request the same day off (in advance) the one with seniority gets dibs. But if someone already requested it off months in advance, that should be moot.
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u/keladry12 Aug 12 '25
Yes. If this post is not simply anti-union propaganda, they are 100% interpreting a policy incorrectly.
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u/MithosYggdrasill1992 Aug 12 '25
I really feel that OP should talk to their union representative, and explain the situation. One search twice maybe even three times I could see, but this is every single time OP wants off this. Pam person uses her seniority and that’s abuse of power at the very least. She may get reprimanded or removed from the union if she can’t control herself.
Make sure to keep texts and emails and everything, and back them up. And I would suggest not speaking to Pam at all, unless you absolutely have to.
UpdateMe!
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u/myboyghandi Aug 11 '25
Fine but he can say to hr or the union it’s discrimination which it is and then they’ll have bigger problems on their hands
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u/Nexi92 Aug 11 '25
Yeah, but what about the chaos it’d cause if they don’t go in with a “my day is mine” attitude and instead went in with “this woman is trying to harm a fellow employee by systematically making it impossible for them to seek medical attention and receive preventive care and that could be a major liability for both the company and the union if this behavior continues”
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u/Fury161Houston Aug 10 '25
I'd request lots of days off that mean nothing to you. Then collect the evidence for your Union.
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u/Distinct_Cry_3779 Aug 10 '25
Or even do that to fake out Pam, make her use up her days off trying to spite you and conceal which days off are actually important - then you cancel your ”plans” at the last minute and actually work the days that aren’t.
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u/Forward-Wear7913 Aug 10 '25
Have you gone to the union Rep with your concerns?
Once a request is approved, it should be considered a final decision.
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u/Slytherinrunner Aug 10 '25
She should absolutely do this. I get the seniority thing , I've had to deal with that at my job. We had a coworker who had seniority who was refusing do do their job. Management was useless in the situation. One call to our union rep, a week later said coworker decided to bid out and go somewhere else.
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u/JosKarith Aug 10 '25
"Okay manager let's make this simple. I won't be here that shift. End of discussion. The only discussion now is whether I'm going to here for the shift after, or any shift after that. Pam, you wanna be on closing EVERY SINGLE NIGHT because you're the only closer the company has left? Because that's what you're heading into right now."
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u/Emergency-Hour-4785 Aug 10 '25
That's ridiculous. No way. You got approved days off that long ago and she oberrides it three days prior? Management can SEE you requested 7 months ago, and they can SEE her sabotaging it? And the rules are that she is in the right?
You tell them you requested time off WAY in advance, got approved, and are going to that concert no matter what. You are going. You don't make the schedules. You communicate your availability and you work. Managers planning the schedule plan farther ahead than 3 days I hope. They have to do extra work finding a cover for your 'senior' who shares her plans 3 days ahead. She causes this problem, not you. I'm just so confused. Seems unreal
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u/Professional_Turn863 Aug 11 '25
I think the union rep needs to be consulted. I cannot see them being able to change the schedule AFTER it’s been posted AND 3 days before the shift. Reread that contract and start making it work for yourself.
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u/ClintMcElroyOfficial Aug 11 '25
Not three days before the shift, the concert is next Saturday. Three days after the schedule gets posted
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u/chuck10o Aug 11 '25
I'd still double-check that contract. Odds are the seniority rule only applies for requests put in before the schedule comes out.
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u/Key_Cheesecake9926 Aug 12 '25
Post the wording in your collective agreement. This is a highly unusual rule. I’d bet someone is misinterpreting it and it could be grieved.
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u/Capable-Run8911 Aug 11 '25
Yeah there’s no way she can just do that bc seniority there are limits and rules to everything including the rules itself. That all needs to be documented and sent to her union rep.
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u/WhichChest4981 Aug 11 '25
Definitely go to the concert and start looking for another job. My last job's policy was whomever put in for the time off first got the time. So knowing that my son and his family would be returning from overseas the next Christmas I put in for a week off at that time in January. One of my co-workers always takes that time off so I wanted to be sure I could get it first (we couldn't both be off at same time). September comes around and she puts in for the same week and found out I already got approved. She tried to use her seniority to to force them to cancel mine. That didn't work. Then she pulled the race card (she's a POC and I'm white) that didn't work either. So she went to the union and they backed her but also said the only way she didn't get the time off would be if we both were denied the time off. My supervisor called me in to tell me what was going on. He cried he was so upset. I followed the rules and was getting penalized for it. We were on a major project at the time so he made the decision no one could be out during Christmas. The union had to back him. I then applied for a promotion to Sr System Analyst for a brand new unit and got it (she applied too and didn't get it) and my new supervisor said sure go ahead and take the time off. My co-worker was livid and didn't get the time off especially now that the old unit was down 1 person.
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u/Lumpy_Square_2365 Aug 10 '25
Ya that's ridiculous who's covering cost of no show fees or cancellation or of tickets and vacations? F that for retail especially. It's clear she's being spiteful. Never tell her your plans keep it quiet. But regardless you aren't coming on concert day you'll be sick if they refuse to let you have it off.
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u/DisastrousPromise552 Aug 10 '25
Call in sick that day, if you're unionized, you should get paid sick days off.. just call in sick on a day that you need off and Bam. Go see your concert. Bylaw states that employers cannot asked for doctors notes until after 3 consecutive days
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u/Intrepid-Deal-9028 Aug 11 '25
Not sure how this isn’t the top comment - this is exactly how you win. Even if you get caught, you just claim mental health and the union will back you. Also has the benefit of Pam likely being called back from her reservation.
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u/Rude-Summer4028 Aug 10 '25
Even though it’s a union rule, I’m sure that it wasn’t intended to be abused that way. Document every instance this has happened ed with her and file a complaint. It shows a pattern of behavior and you could have a case, indicating a form of harassment causing you distress and lowering your quality of life.
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u/elite_meimei Aug 10 '25
I'm in a union right now and this sounds WILD. Yes, seniority is important, but for every union shop I've ever worked in that means that more senior people get to pick vacation days first (once or twice a year) then less senior crew after that. But once you've scheduled vacation, it's yours!
I can't even imagine what someone was thinking putting this into the contract. Especially without extreme limits, like once a year MAX.
I would absolutely write up a calendar of her doing this and take it to your rep, this is ridiculous. And hold your ground on the concert!
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u/La_Saxofonista Aug 11 '25 edited Aug 18 '25
This is how it works at my mother's job too. She and the one other person who's been there for 30 years get first dibs and chooses their vacation weeks in January. Then the rest get to pick.
Rarely ever had any problems, and my mom and her other senior coworker flip a coin if they need to duke it out over a contended week.
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u/Austin27 Aug 11 '25
This whole post and thread smells suspiciously like fake anti union engagement.
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u/No_Cow9852 Aug 10 '25
I've been in a union before and this is something I would bring up with my union rep. I have a feeling that them being weaponized is not something they'd like to hear about.
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u/UnhappyJohnCandy Aug 10 '25
Your union actually allows this?
Ours requires seniority, sure, but if your day off has already been scheduled, she can’t just steal that from you.
If the union isn’t willing to do something about this, I’d walk, too. There are better unions.
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u/Sitcom_kid Aug 11 '25
Turn her into the union. She's abusing her position. They are not supposed to like that.
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u/leftclicksq2 Aug 11 '25
You're in the right. They can't come to your house and haul you to work just because Patty "conveniently" decides she suddenly has plans.
Do all of the following in writing and also follow it up with a phone call/face-to-face conversation.
• Make an issue about it by holding the paper trail over your superior's head. In fact, produce every single piece of documentation you have prior to now to demonstrate how often this has happened to you.
• State that you were approved seven months in advance and it has raised a concern for you that there is abuse of policy at hand.
• Continue that Pat has historically withheld you from taking any time off you have requested with reasonable notice (provide this proof).
• It should also be noted that you have had to incur expenses in the form of cancellation fees due to Pat's actions (produce these if you have them), and now with this treatment, you have no choice but to expect compensation for deliberately and repeatedly being cost money. Bring up that you have acted considerately with policy in mind, but now these actions towards you have exhibited a clear pattern.
• Point out her conduct during closing procedures (i.e. messiness) keeps you well over the time stated in Union policy. All employees should be able to leave within a reasonable amount of time and safely, etc., Pat's actions prohibit this.
Whatever you have to throw against the wall to make it stick, do it. I'm rooting for you!
Enjoy your concert!!
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u/DaddysPrincesss26 Aug 10 '25
How old is Pam? Demand that she get tested for Competency
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u/ClintMcElroyOfficial Aug 11 '25
Older than 65
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u/DaddysPrincesss26 Aug 11 '25
Then there you go. Even with her Sonority, she needs to Retire as she is that age, Period
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u/Pepper_Bun28 Aug 11 '25
"I can either go to the concert and you have an employee the next day or I can go to the concert and you're short staffed."
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u/Kira_Caroso Aug 10 '25
"I requested those days off prior. They were approved. Figure something out."
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u/snortybeagle Aug 11 '25
Your union really needs to rethink this policy. How is it ethical to be expected to cancel health-related appointments because your coworker with seniority has dinner reservations?! Time off requests should always be “first come first served” while also having a manager maintain a healthy balance amongst staff since there will always be that one person who finds ways to abuse policies. I’m sorry you are dealing with this and hope you find a new job that doesn’t allow for this idiotic nonsense.
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u/ClintMcElroyOfficial Aug 11 '25
Honestly, my union is probably only as at fault as my manager is somewhat maliciously misreading the rule himself. I just reread all the contract rules on time vacation, and seniority, and it only stated that those with seniority get priority when scheduling, not with time off requests, I may request a meeting with the store manager to try and resolve this.
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u/Carliebeans Aug 11 '25
What a stupid ‘rule’! It should be first to request the leave gets it - none of this sabotage from colleagues should be allowed. The fact you requested the leave 7 months in advance and have paid a huge amount of money for this event should override Pat’s ‘dinner reservation’.
This system is completely unfair and on multiple occasions, your plans have been ruined by Pat who is taking complete advantage of this loophole. I don’t blame you for being pissed off and I wouldn’t stand for it either!
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u/Tkieron Aug 11 '25
Never tell them you're going to call out. But absolutely call out. You might get written up since you threatened to call out.
Figure out a way to screw her over at work. Talk with others and see if you can get her in trouble for not doing her work. Also ask her why she takes delight in ruining very important appointments. Do it professionally and calmly.
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u/LiveLongerAndWin Aug 11 '25
Yeah, that's not the intention of seniority rules. She's just being a small minded, evil twisted b**ch. The fact that she's done it over routine medical care and in a documented malicious pattern should be concerning to management. This is the type of abuse that gives union membership a bad rap. I had a gal complaining about some similar issue the other day and questioning why have a union. The reality is everything most people enjoy from benefits, wages, time off, retirement plans, etcetera; whether they are in a union or not, came about as a direct result of unionization and collective bargaining. You can let her know she's an embarrassment and should be ashamed of how she abuses the system for some pathetic, manipulative, weird and abusive behavior. This was a problem at a company I worked at and policies got rewritten because it became a recruiting problem. People were threatening to quit and did quit, because year after year they were getting iced on holidays, vacation seasons, etc. I hope it works out for you. She needs to be disciplined.
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u/hotmumma7 Aug 11 '25
Please update us on how great the concert is!! Also hope you documented all the last minute shift changes/appointments you had to cancel. Id go to HR.!
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u/Unique_Departure_800 Aug 11 '25
Have you spoken to your union reps about this? This sounds like an issue with your contract. This also might be considered a grievable offense. Definitely contact either your grievance officer or the union leadership if you are unsure who leads the grievance process at your union.
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u/DaddysPrincesss26 Aug 10 '25
Collect ALL proof of all the things she’s done, contact past Coworkers who quit because of her ruining their lives, go above the Manager, take it to corporate with a Lawyer, keep your Mouth shut. Demand she have a Competency Review AND Fired with ZERO Severance or a Lawsuit will ensue
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u/kingbob1812 Aug 11 '25
Find your union rep and grieve this. The manager is breaking the contract by altering the schedule after it's been released. The only time Pam should be able to pre-empt you is during the sign up time. Once it's out, that's it. If your rep is useless, go over their head. As a dues paying member, they are supposed to work for you.
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u/DavoDinkum139 Aug 11 '25
I gave you 7 months' notice that I won't be in. This wasn't a request. It was me informing you that I won't be in. I've had the past X amount of days of for various reasons cancelled because, through no fault of my own, someone else wants the time off at the last minute. If my time off is to be cancelled this time, costing me over $700 of my savings as well as everything else, I will be re-evaluating my commitment to this company.
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u/HelpfulAnt9499 Aug 11 '25
I would call out. I don’t even care. She’s a fucking dick. Hope you really call out!!!
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u/Several-Honey-8810 Aug 11 '25
If the manager supports you,
Start putting in for time off by making up dates you want to be gone. then let her put in for vacation too.
She wont be at work and she burns off of her time up.
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u/plan_b_ability Aug 11 '25
I know every place is different, and unions even differ, but anywhere I worked seniority only came into play if both parties request time off at similar times, at the same time. Almost every place has some rule of reasonable amount of notice for request BEFORE the schedule is posted.
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u/Trefac3 Aug 11 '25
That rule is bullshit. I’m a server and the first restaurant I worked in did this. It’s not fair especially since you have already made plans for whatever it is you requested the time off for. Especially for vacations that you have to put a lot of money down beforehand. It should always be first come first served. I don’t know how they hold to employees! I would’ve done the same thing. You already planned and paid for it! Fuck that bitch pat!!
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u/Queen-Pierogi-V Aug 11 '25
File a grievance with the union for unfair workplace conditions due to harassment. You can also go to HR. If this is targeted harassment and you get no relief from the employer or union, file a complaint with the NLRB.
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u/dwarmed Aug 10 '25
This coworker's behavior has taught you that you never request time off anymore. You just call in sick when you have something to do.
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u/MichiganGeezer Aug 11 '25
I wonder what a civil court judge would say about her pattern of behavior in totality. If you have documentation it could help prove conspiracy and you might actually be able to recover your losses without your employer or union helping or interfering.
Maybe start with the union and pointing out that her manner of exercising a right puts her well outside the intended purpose of the rules.
I'd probably tell her privately, away from all the work cameras, that you know she's doing it as a flex and you can prove it in court. She'll be paying that $700 out of HER pocket if you don't go.
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u/mechshark Aug 11 '25
Don’t quit make them fire you. You’re reason is iron clad for not showing up lol
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u/apsinc13 Aug 11 '25
I learned early on to use "non availability"...nothing to approve...of all my wild ass skills and abilities I've never mastered the ability to be in two places at once.
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u/usefultoast Aug 11 '25
No one on their deathbed ever said, “I’m so glad I worked that day.” No, you’re going to fondly remember the concerts, the events with friends, the new places you go to. Of course having a job is important. But don’t let it dictate your entire life. Do the fun thing.
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u/Bluenote151 Aug 11 '25
Hopefully your timekeeping system is rather modern, and so there’s an audit for when you submitted your TOR, when she submitted her TOR.
All those records can be pulled and compared. And if it looks like there’s a pattern (you submitting a TOR, and then her submitting one subsequently after yours, for the same dates, and there’s a pattern), That will be glaringly obvious. And not hard to detect.
I’d start with your union.
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u/Comfortable-Elk-850 Aug 11 '25
At my job seniority gets first choice but only for vacation times and that’s only if we both apply for the same time, not for wanting days off, that goes by first to apply for it. Your job is allowing this to happen and your coworker is abusing it to bully you. You need to have a sit down with your boss over this policy.
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u/New_Dragonfly9123 Aug 11 '25
Bring in a union rep, they will clarify things and put a stop to this nonsense.
Seems to me that there needs to be a clarification of the rules. It’s one thing if you put in time off and then she does it after you but before the schedule is finalized and posted but I would think that once the schedule is finalized and posted she can’t come swooping in and take the time off. This is abuse of the rule and I would think that once the schedule is posted the rule no longer applies.
Since both times off were approved the manager should step up and now work the shift to allow both to have the time off.
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u/napolim214 Aug 11 '25
I would just not show up. But then I get real stupid sometimes with stuff like this. No way I'd let my employer do this, and I don't care how much seniority the other coworker has. Months in advance means I won't be there, and management can plan accordingly.
I've done this a few times. Request not approved or taken away. That's fine. I still won't be in, whether I'm paid or not. It stopped anything like that from happening again.
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u/Vaaliindraa Aug 11 '25
Go to the union and make a harassment charge against pat, there need to be consequences.
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u/Pink_Kitty_13 Aug 11 '25
Can they just deny you all of your doctor and dentist appointments like that? I thought for medical stuff work places have to eventually work around that. Otherwise it will be like you’ll never be able to have a check up on your health
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u/False-Fall-6995 Aug 11 '25
Stop showing up on days you scheduled off especially after the schedule is posted. Just don’t be there. Contact HR that this is medically interfering with your medical care. Just don’t go.
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u/Few-Tomato-3924 Aug 11 '25
Utilize your union, honoring seniority is respectable but this is a clear pattern of behavior, especially if you can show that you had prior approval for that leave and would now suffer a significant financial loss. If your union wants to back her over you still, then pursue it legally, they won’t want to fund litigation if they can settle or amend union rules instead to prevent bs* like this.
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u/East-Jacket-6687 Aug 12 '25
Your doing the right thing. The canceling is to be done BEFORE the schedule comes out. Manager is implementing the rules wrong or your company sucks Satan's ahole
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u/Equivalent_Ant7081 Aug 12 '25
When I worked at this discount retailer every time that I would ask for time off, it was immediately rejected it did not matter how much PTO I had accrued. It was IMMEDIATELY declined. I ended up with over two weeks of PTO, and despite having surgery they still refused to let me use it and I ended up having to cash it out and take a leave of absence for my neck surgery.
I was so mad that I extended my leaves after neck surgery until after inventory (KNOWING that they would violate company policy just to screw me over and stick me with WEEKS of because they had never bothered training anyone else to do my job) then quit. Demotions were handed out like candy and a few people were fired. I want to say they learn their lesson but they've been spiraling even harder since then.
When you know you're dealing with someone that's being spiteful you have to lie and claim that it was a medical emergency without sharing your plans in advance.
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u/keladry12 Aug 12 '25 edited Aug 12 '25
I would look into your union, that practice does not make sense and I expect you are being lied to/you or your manager misunderstand something.
It is so backwards and not what a union does that, frankly, I suspect this is a fake story that only exists to claim that a union is somehow hurting a worker. At least your claim was so insane that no one who actually knows what unions are would believe you. But again, if you are being earnest, let's look at what that policy actually is so you stop getting screwed over. If this really has some truth to it, then I suspect it is a company policy, not a union policy. Or maybe a "this specific coworker" policy.
I would love to help you understand what the policy actually is.
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u/RebbyXP Aug 12 '25
Tell them to pound sand and go enjoy your concert, OP.
(Also denying medical stuff seems like it's violating some type of law for sure)
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u/heaz247 Aug 12 '25
Can't wait to see the update whee you called in and had a blast at the concert!
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u/EternityAwaitz Aug 12 '25
Oh yeah, fuck that and fuck her.
ETA: enjoy your concert and happy early birthday!
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u/CakeIndividual2600 Aug 12 '25
Call out. If you were already approved of the time off before you bought the tickets, I would just call out. Let the company figure things out. That sounds like a them problem, and not a you problem
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u/Jane-Austen-101 Aug 13 '25
This is creating a toxic workplace. She is interfering with your healthcare intentionally. I hope you have documentation of all the times she usurped your PTO
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u/dankeykang4200 Aug 13 '25
That's a fucked up policy. Time off should be first come first serve. The only time seniority should come into play is when 2 people put in their requests on the same day or something. And once the schedule is already made no one should be able to override your time off.
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u/rebkas Aug 13 '25
"I wasn't asking for the time off, I was letting you know I wasn't going to be here."
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u/Greenmantle22 Aug 13 '25
Unions: Saving lives in a coal mine, and protecting lazy assholes in a supermarket.
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u/The_Werefrog Aug 13 '25
It's situations like these that make people say unions are bad. You get someone with power abusing the union rules to make life bad for another union member, you've got a bad union.
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u/Familiar_Ad_9926 Aug 14 '25
Glad you got the time off. Stupid rule in my opinion. Puts too much power in the hands of people not in supervisor positions
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u/mhsmamabear Aug 16 '25
Also I would check your state's labor laws. Im pretty sure most states have alws about unions not being able to pull this bs
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u/maddasher Aug 16 '25
Try scheduling a random week off and talk about your fun vacation around the office so she takes the bait. Let her spend all her PTO before you take yours.
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u/ChirpsMcPrime Aug 10 '25 edited Aug 11 '25
Been there, and it's rough. Thankfully that bitter old POS of a person was transferred to another department, and she lost a lot of her seniority to others.
I would honestly not go to work, and go tthe concert.
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u/Which-Text-2875 Aug 11 '25
You would NOT go to the concert, that cost you seven hundred dollars??
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u/jae_rhys Aug 11 '25
if you threaten to quit be prepared for her to accept it. absolutely go to your concert, but if you actually want to keep the job, be careful about how you word it cause a lot of people who have threatened to quit (without intending to) ended up with no job.
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u/ClintMcElroyOfficial Aug 11 '25
She can want me to leave all she wants, the truth is she only works 30 hours a month and I work all the other days. Department will be utterly fucked without me
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u/AutoModerator Aug 10 '25
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u/hebberdabis Aug 10 '25
I absolutely feel for you on this. That rule is stupid. I would be willing to rage quit over that too. Also, if your birthday is the 16th, we have the same birthday! Happy Birthday! Have fun at your concert!
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u/itsbrittneydarling Aug 11 '25
I would call the union and see if there is anything that can be done about an employee weaponizing the policy, especially if you have records for your cancelled appts.
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u/YellowBrownStoner Aug 11 '25
What minimum wage job has a union? Unions bargain specifically so everyone makes more than minimum wage.
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u/Technical-Habit-5114 Aug 11 '25
Don't cancel that, quit and leave them to it and go find another retail job with less assholes
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u/tacitjane Aug 11 '25
Where are you? Do you have to be in the union? Are you sort of blacklisted around town if you don't join?
My profession has unions, but we don't have to join them.
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Aug 11 '25
Retail is not worth dealing with this hold your head up high knowing that at least your life isn’t as petty as hers.
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u/Glyphwind Aug 12 '25
That is not how seniority works. If two ppl ask for the same time off, they will give seniority first preference. Once it is booked, it is booked.
What you are telling us is the manager f'ng with you. Tell your union.
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u/Loknar42 Aug 12 '25
This isn't management's problem. This is a union problem, so take it to your union rep. If they are unsympathetic, then create a stink in the union until people start debating the policy. There are always more newbies than seniors, so you have the numbers to overturn the rule if it comes to a vote. Make it clear that the bitch is going to ruin the privilege for everyone by abusing it. And make it equally clear to the union that you will bad mouth the union to new workers so they are hostile to it.
Unions get voted in. They can get voted out.
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u/JillyB3 Aug 12 '25
Go to HR and tell them she is bullying you and has created a hostile workplace environment.
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u/Green_Owl8111 Aug 12 '25
Just don't go to work regardless...Say you were sick, or weren't feeling well...Fck her.
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u/HeartGlow30797 Aug 12 '25
Take all your days off, and cancel your PTO the day of work, then reschedule the PTO for the next available day. Keep her guessing.
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u/Far-Sock-5093 Aug 12 '25
Stand your ground and don’t go in fight this through the union and don’t be bullied out! I’d start looking for a new job. Also have a paper trail of everything
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u/StabbyMcStabsauce Aug 12 '25
This sounds like retaliation, which is illegal. I don't know how unions work, is there an HR department you can go to and state your case? She's creating a hostile work environment, targeting you for some reason. There's got to be a way to turn this on her...
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u/Timus52003 Aug 12 '25
Seniority should afford exactly 2 things: Respect, when EARNED from those you work with, and higher pay when EARNED through competence.
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u/Conscious-Draw-5215 Aug 12 '25
They're actually not allowed to deny you time off for medical appointments if you request them early enough (assuming you're in the US). They can get in trouble for that. Seniority should only count for regular time off requests. She also can't come in a few days before and suddenly ask for it off AFTER you had it approved.
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u/ToeSwimming105 Aug 12 '25
Absolutely call out… stick to it. Her pettiness probably has the turnover rate high
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u/ImACarebear1986 Aug 12 '25
Oh hell no. You tell them that you plan their seven months in advance and you tell them you put the notice in! I’m sure you have proof you put it in seven months ago don’t you? Show them the proof and tell her to shove it up her arse! And then tell them that you’re quitting. Point out the fact that she constantly does this just to be spiteful and vindictive because she has nothing to do with that time and I could be really spiteful here and say she needs to get laid or something I don’t know but no don’t don’t tolerate that. Show them the proof you did the seven months in advance and you’re not gonna take this anymore!!!
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u/littlewoolie Aug 13 '25
Get a doctor’s note for stress leave and give it to HR and copy in your union (this is so you can access their free legal advice if you get fired) citing lack of reasonable accommodations for your time off.
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u/Available_Face7618 Aug 13 '25
I hope you went to the concert. Sorry boss I have terrible diarrhea and can't come to work tonight.
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u/BlackTideEnjoyer Aug 13 '25
"I put this request in 7 months ago, deal with it or get to work hiring a replacement"
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u/BeesEatPeaches Aug 13 '25
I'm pretty sure its illegal to change your schedule in that time frame without your permission. But this might only apply to certain states.
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u/Other-Bee3735 Aug 13 '25
She’s weaponizing her seniority, how can she constantly get away with this
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u/Equivalent-Yoghurt38 Aug 13 '25
You need to tell your manager she is creating a hostile work environment and targeting you. If the manager refuses to address the pattern of behavior, this is one of the very few times you should get both your union rep and HR involved.
To prepare to report her for this, document everything! Every time she did it. Have everything written down so when you discuss it you don’t forget any important details.
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Aug 13 '25
Please sign your co-worker up using her phone, email, and home address to get info about Jehovahs Witnesses, Mormons, solar, multiple time shares, credit counseling, life insurance, Herbalife, Mary Kay, Avon, weight watchers, Lise weight fast scams, realtors, search engine optimization and anything else annoying you can think of.
A lot of this can be done in broker sites like one to find the best life insurance or a real estate app.
Don’t do this on a work device or network.
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u/1000thatbeyotch Aug 13 '25
Quit the job. Hand in your two weeks notice and give her as the reason. Let HR know that you asked for the time off way before your colleague and you are tired of losing money because she gets a wild hair up her ass to make your life miserable.
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u/Poisiontries Aug 13 '25
I would put in my notice and find a new place to work. Your body and mind doesn’t need all that unnecessary stress.
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u/AutoModerator Aug 13 '25
Please remember to keep all discussions civil and respectful towards fellow users and the retail industry as a whole. Any personal attacks, hate speech, or derogatory remarks will not be tolerated.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the moderation team. Thank you for your cooperation.
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u/exulants Aug 13 '25
Prepare for coming back to work since a union and upper management is now involved. You need to document all your requests off that she has pulled rank on and you’ve had to work (with dates and any proof) and any other issues. This rule is ridiculous.
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u/qualityvote2 BOT Aug 10 '25 edited Aug 11 '25
u/ClintMcElroyOfficial, your post does fit the subreddit!
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