My brother is getting married and can't get time off!!

Post by **postiewhite** » 13 Oct 2016, 17:27

My brother is getting married on the 4th January and because of the location (200 miles from home) I will need 2 days off but have been told by my manager that there are too many off that week and its not going to be possible, we live in Nottingham and the wedding is in Bournmouth. I'm only on a 20hr PT contract and get 2 days off anyway although I usually work full time hrs. My Manager says that he "might" be able to give me the wedding day off but to speak to him nearer the time but the day after is unlikely. That is no where near a guarantee for me. It doesnt seem to me that he is even willing to let me have them as my days off which would be better instead of booking time off. Any other path I can go through or do I just have to hope and prey I get at least just one day off which means id have to go home before the night do and accept it might not even happen for me?!

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 13 Oct 2016, 17:30

Best thing you can do after posting it on here is take it un-paid and make it up with over-time all the best.

Post by **postiewhite** » 13 Oct 2016, 17:38

k979aaa wrote:Best thing you can do after posting it on here is take it un-paid and make it up with over-time all the best.

I didnt know I might be able to take it unpaid. Im not sure what you mean about 'best thing after posting it on here' though?

Surreypostie · Post by **Surreypostie** » 13 Oct 2016, 17:45

postiewhite wrote:
k979aaa wrote:Best thing you can do after posting it on here is take it un-paid and make it up with over-time all the best.
I didnt know I might be able to take it unpaid. Im not sure what you mean about 'best thing after posting it on here' though?

What he means is, don't even consider going sick!

Post by **postiewhite** » 13 Oct 2016, 17:47

I wouldnt do that. Id just have to fight it

Surreypostie · Post by **Surreypostie** » 13 Oct 2016, 17:52

Post by **postiewhite** » 13 Oct 2016, 18:20

SO am I allowed to take unpaid leave for two days or will that get rejected too?

Tman · Post by **Tman** » 13 Oct 2016, 18:37

If the manager has refused it through lack of available cover, it makes no odds whether it's paid or unpaid.
Should've quietly checked out who else was off at that time, and if too many already were, then gone sick for a few days. RM (like any other employer) doesn't have to grant leave regardless.

Post by **postiewhite** » 13 Oct 2016, 19:04

So if I find out that someone that week has swapped their day off so they can have a saturday off (it does happen in our office) then can I point this out to my manager that I will be putting a grievence in or speak to my rep about it?

NewPostieUK · Post by **NewPostieUK** » 13 Oct 2016, 19:58

Go to see your manager. Express sincerely to him how it is your brothers wedding and not going isn't an option. Tell him you will doing anything to get those two days off, even if it means losing wages. Pray that he sees sense. If he doesn't, then make enquiries (maybe with your rep?) about time off family emergencies. After all, not going would be a catastrophe for the whole family, with far reaching implications such as the effect on your health with stress etc.

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 13 Oct 2016, 20:58

postiewhite wrote:SO am I allowed to take unpaid leave for two days or will that get rejected too?

Cannot stop you state your reason give them a reasonable notice period ie a week or two in advance and bob's your uncle. So sorry it is a bitch to get time off in royalmail but it is not my fault the system is corrupt at best!

Mobey · Post by **Mobey** » 13 Oct 2016, 21:16

Just thought of this. Is there anyway you can say to your union rep you can work the Monday and Tuesday as replacement days for Friday / Saturday? So that they can speak to whoever sorts your rota out?

They have staff I'm sure that are like you on a 20 hour contract Wednesday to Saturday if that is your days. But they might struggle for Monday / Tuesday. It might mean you miss out on a couple days pay but you'll probably be full time the week after.

Hope you get it sorted.

Darren Bent · Post by **Darren Bent** » 14 Oct 2016, 00:27

Let say you work Wed-Sat 20 hours contract and another postperson might do Monday to Thursday, so you might be able to swap with this person for that week. Assuming it is possible. Look at the rotas and work out which people work on the day and not.

Post by **postman nel** » 14 Oct 2016, 06:20

I asked for a Saturday off because I was getting married and because it was at 16.00 I was refused it because I was told I would be finished well before that (pre van share) days around 9.30ish..it was by chance that I bumped in to the area manager who came to our office one day and I mentioned it to him and for him to sanction the day off

Postie45 · Post by **Postie45** » 14 Oct 2016, 08:24

dear god some RM managers make this place a total hell hole of a company to work for.