Rotational day off. Rules? If any?

[Cloudwatcher]

Hi everyone, its my 3rd week in the job so far and overall I am happy with the new job. I enjoy being outdoors, walking and talking to people. The rain and the dogs haven’t put me off. Most people in my delivery office are friendly and helpful and a good laugh. And my partner on the round has been top notch in teaching me the ins and outs of what to do.

My only real worry at present is the rota system. My contract is working 5 days a week Monday to Saturday with one day off. I had sort of assumed that I would get 1 in every 6 Saturday’s off and that I would know in advance what are my days off are so that I could plan weekends away etc (all my family live hundreds of miles away). However it seems at present that you only know the week before what your days off are for next week and never further in advance. Some of the peeps in my depot have said that they have been there 10 years and they still work like this.

Am I entitled to 1 out of every 6 Saturday’s off or do I just have to put up with what I am given? Is it normal for most delivery offices to just have one week’s notice for your day off? Should I speak to my manager about it or just keep quiet?

I don’t want to look like a trouble maker in week 3 of the job. But then again I like to know where I stand one way or another just so I know what the score is.

Any advice is useful. Cheers.

[Sir Henry]

As a cover you are supposedly entitled to the EQUIVALENT of 1 Saturday in six. It doesn't happen and you get whatever is left or whatever is easiest for the management. Unless you have your own duty you will be lucky to learn what day you are off next week before the rota goes on the board, normally on a Friday. Nope, no one gives enough of a monkeys to do anything about it as most people are alright Jack, knoworrimean? You're in a bind, you don't want to rock the boat so early in your 'career' but you don't want to appear a walkover to the screws. The common advice is to keep your head down until you get your permanent contract then start kicking up all merry hell. Have a word with your rep, isee what they say. If what they say doesn't sound right come back on here and run it by us.

[Cloudwatcher]

OK thanks for the advice Henry. Yeah I suppose its best to keep my head down pass my 6 months probation then assert my rights. Until then if I stick my head above the parapet I might just get shot down.......... Cheers