Thread: Transport issues

This weekend my manager has decided to rolaly screw up to 75% of the work force. We work a shift pattern of 7 to 7, 9-9 11-11. Now before some people who use public transport can't get in on time for the 7-7 and wouldn't get home on the 11 finishes. And they would stay when the got in eg 7.25am etc and finish 12 hours later, plus they would start earlier on the late shift to ensure the got the last bus. Now the boss has stated he wants everyone to do the normal shifts not giving any consideration for those of us who use public transport. On a Sunday the earlest I can get in on a Sunday is 9.30 when I should be in at 7. And for years nothing was said as I just finished late. Now I face disaplinery action if I'm late again and I will be in 2 weeks when I'm next on a 7 start. Others are in the same boat. Can we do anything?

Unfortunately, I think if you were already aware of the shifts there's going to be little you can do. It does sound that up until now your employer has been very accomodating towards his staff. But from their point of view it may be costing them business by not having the correct people on the correct shift times. Also, if people are in work earlier or later than they should be there may be health and safety issues he has to consider. If there's absolutely no other form of public transport that could be used and the cost of a taxi would make a significant impact to the benefit of working then make them aware of the situation to start with (which I presume you already have done). If it does go to a disciplinary, make sure you have someone with you, and again make a point of saying that transport is difficult and whether there is an alternative shift you could do.

If, as you say, about 75% of the workforce are affected by this change, then maybe write a letter explaining the situation and have every one sign it so that your employer can see the extent that people rely on public transport to get to work. Remember, if he disciplines one person for being late then he has to treat everyone else the same. If so many people are affected this will cause him problems so really I do think it's a case of making him aware as a group.

cheers for the reply, everyone this effects are putting in writing the troubles this will cause them, and the site management claim they are going to try to sovle each individual case.
But some discussion has arised, one is should my boss given some sort of notice? as its been in place for 9 years with no problems.
And last week one of my work mates was told he had to take 30mins liue time to get his last bus, then a female work mate was told (in front of 8 others myself included) that she would be "over looked" this week only to get her last bus, opening the flood gates for victimisation etc.
I also feel that this is an attempt by the site management team to make "cuts", they appear to be avoiding our Head offices/HR dept involvement, claiming the company will just get rid of those who can't do the shifts for those who can. And nothing on the subject has come form anyone higher then the site management.