Another employment question: If I'm hired with certain agreement in place...

[alltherage]

Can they legally change those terms later on? I accepted a position with my company after they were trying to promote me very aggressively. I was not super interested in staying with this company, and I knew what was available on the market, so I told them I would accept the promotion if they gave me the hours I wanted, and the pay I wanted. I've been their highest performer since then, (out of about 8 other supervisors in my store), taking my staff from 51st on a company scorecard (out of 52 stores) to top 10 for about 4 consecutive months.

Long story short, the agreement was Tues-Saturday, 9-5, with the exception of a closing shift every Wednesday (it's retail), and X dollars per hour.

A couple weeks ago they forced me (as in I had no option) to take another position within the company... a "horizontal" movement that is way more responsibility with a larger amount of staff under me and no raise.

The other day I was told that I had to completely open my availability so I was available to open or close every day of the week. They told me if I didn't sign a new availability they would request my two weeks. I told them I wouldn't give it to them and they said I would be demoted and would have about $6/hour off my pay. (or almost $13,000 per year.)

This is screwy, and I've tried searching the alberta employment site and it doesn't really seem to address this. Anyone been through this before?

[jammies]

Do you have this agreement in writing? Does it say you have to agree to any amendments or changes, or does it either leave this question open or give the company the option to change it?

If it was me I would tell them to give me my 2 weeks and screw themselves. Clearly they are clueless and/or control freaks- they will have to hire a new manager to replace you, and if you are doing a good job, chances are he/she won't be as good at the job so they are hurting themselves for no apparent reason...

[Rathji]

If you are the top performer and they are willing to threaten you, demote you, screw you over at this point to get you to do what they want. Imagine what they will do if you fight them on it, involving the Labour Board, possiby.

Since they are willing to play hardball now, I would be willing to bet you will be hardcore blacklisted if you fight it.

Just something to think about.

I would rather get another job that I can be happy doing than fight to keep a job where to boss would rather crap down my throat to get me to do what he wants.

[jtfrogger]

You may have a case for constructive dismissal. However, I think the most you can get by fighting it is whatever you would be due for severance. It may not be worth the hassle.

[RougeUnderoos]

Stall, and look for another job. I had an employer do this kind of thing to me (sort of, he just reneged on the salary structure on the contract and said "things change"). I handed in my resignation the next day and he about had a fit. Spit flying, fist pounding and the whole charade. It was very satisfying.

Oh yeah, and to answer your question with nothing but my own opinion, fighting them on it would be a big hassle and maybe not worth your time, especially if you stay there. If you get another gig elsewhere then maybe try to do something, but you won't have a lot of fun working there while fighting it.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

Stall, and look for another job. I had an employer do this kind of thing to me (sort of, he just reneged on the salary structure on the contract and said "things change"). I handed in my resignation the next day and he about had a fit. Spit flying, fist pounding and the whole charade. It was very satisfying.

Tell me you told him things change.

[alltherage]

Originally Posted by jtfrogger

You may have a case for constructive dismissal. However, I think the most you can get by fighting it is whatever you would be due for severance. It may not be worth the hassle.

Wow... I would have thought that was literally talking about me. That's something I can definitely use. thanks man. I've been so freaking stressed about this garbage that I've lost sleep.

[Draug]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

Stall, and look for another job. I had an employer do this kind of thing to me (sort of, he just reneged on the salary structure on the contract and said "things change"). I handed in my resignation the next day and he about had a fit. Spit flying, fist pounding and the whole charade. It was very satisfying.

LOL! Same here ... as he put it, "This is a dog's breakfast"

Very well could have been the same guy.