Why is it that when you do something nice, some people don’t appreciate it!!

[Zukin]

Sorry to rant and rave, but we are pissed off majorly at the moment.

For those of who that dont know what we are doing, this is our website here
www.rideforlife.co.nz

Ok here goes
So a year ago we decide that we want to ride around NZ on motorbikes to raise money for The Cancer Society and the people that suffer from this illness, we were complete rookies when it came to riding.
Anyway we planned and planned and told our employers it about it 5 months ago, all was good.
Then all out of the blue my wife’s company (which we will name if it isn’t resolved) she works for decides to send an email last Friday stating that her annual leave application has been declined!!! Not good news a month out from the event!!

So she calls them and asks why and to explain in a lot more detail that this is not just a tropical holiday, it is about giving someone the chance to improve their life a little.
She recieved and email back, and I quote;
During the period 29th January - 17 March there will be no planned concession for any of the Sales staff to take extended leave during this period due to a new product launch*
*Modified to remove specifics about the company and their products

What really annoys us is they only sent this correspondence in reference to above out to the managers today apparently.

So she again contacts them and explains that she had already placed her leave application 5 months ago and it was too late to change/alter or cancel the event (and we didn’t think about it anyway, do you think people with Cancer can all of a sudden decide to postpone the disease?)
They again say no, so the only option is for her to resign from her job so that we can continue to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
So she resigns today from a job she loves, and leaves a job she has been in for 5 years!!
No one calls to ask why? No one sends an email to say look we can review the decision and we can now say yes, but they call her colleagues to tell them and to find out if she is looking at legal action? (Not that she would, she is too nice and basically annual leave has to be agreed by both parties anyway)

She is devastated, but as she said, “Every cloud has a silver lining” their loss too as no one will be able to sell in the new products now!! She is upset so if you see her or have her number give her a call and tell her to keep her chin up.

So I ask where is the loyalty from this employer, I am hoping that someone can answer this as to why they would decline it??

So if anyone is looking for a good hardworking Sales Rep after the 26th Feb, please let us know!
And if she cant get work after that, then food parcels can be sent to the food bank , because once again there are always people worse off than us

Thanks for reading this little rant, and we both wish that whomever made this decision or their family, doesn’t get Cancer in the next few weeks, months or ever, because then they may grow a spine and realise that what we were trying to achieve.

And for those of you that know whom she works for, please dont make reference to it here, until they accept her resgination, then we boycoutt their products....


Cheers Scott

[Colapop]

Loyalty? Never gonna get it from employers these days. In saying that, do employees give employers loyalty? It's a cynical world we live in and as much as we as individuals show loyalty - there are the minority (as usual) that have sploiled it for the rest of us.

All that aside I feel for your missus, she deserves better. Don't get bitter and twisted, give the love to someone more deserving.

[Disco Dan]

One word... MEDIA.

Serves two purposes, one, the company gets what is coming.
Two... Great exposure for your cause... I reckon THAT is your silver lining

I agree, and I also think you made the right decision under the circumstances.


I hope this company feels guilty and gives you compensation!!

If it was me, I would take legal action... but I also dont know when to keep my mouth shut...

[RT527]

One word... MEDIA.

Serves two purposes, one, the company gets what is coming.
Two... Great exposure for your cause... I reckon THAT is your silver lining

Exactly my sentiments Dont dawdle get oneself to the media pronto, talk up the mean spiritedness of her ex employers, agreed that it had to be considered by both parties( leave that is) but they have proven that she is dispensable by not communicating, and by their approach.

Did the managers not learn anything...this could have been a chance at some high profile media/public relations coverage thus gaining even more sales by coming to an agreement to supply things like sun hats umbrellas etc etc for you to wear and use.

Sounds like complete and utter drongo`s.

[megarich]

Hi,

I would be checking up on your wifes employment contract and looking at the provisions relating to leave and employer cancelling leave applications and remebursment for cost incurred as a result of cancelled leave?

Is she a member of any union?

Have you spoken to anyone at Employment Relations Authority - 03 9647850

Far to often these days employers abuse the good will of staff and push the boundaries of contracts.

Good luck with the Ride for Life and I hope everything works out for the best.

[Disco Dan]

Hi,

I would be checking up on your wifes employment contract and looking at the provisions relating to leave and employer cancelling leave applications and remebursment for cost incurred as a result of cancelled leave?

Is she a member of any union?

Have you spoken to anyone at Employment Relations Authority - 03 9647850

Far to often these days employers abuse the good will of staff and push the boundaries of contracts.

Good luck with the Ride for Life and I hope everything works out for the best.

Good point! The mear fact that her employer was asking co-workers about legal action shows they know they are in the wrong.

They are allready worried.

Contact the media!

[riffer]

Yes, a good lawyer could make a half-decent case for constructive dismissal here, particularly as you had committed to a project based on an agreement to supply leave by your employer.

All the best for your trip, and as Colapop says, there's others more deserving than those idiots who didn't appreciate what they had!

[yungatart]

Scott, Carissa has made a courageous decision! Karma rules - you two will certainly get all the good stuff coming to you!
Cariissa, chin up, chicky babe - only good will come of this, trust me!

[Lou Girardin]

Was the leave application approved then rescinded?
A personal grievance seems in order.
This is an example of the vaunted work/life balance that is so important to employers.

[Grub]

This is a bad bad bad story. for my sins, I have been an HR Manager and Consultant and know employment law pretty well. Before you dismiss the idea out of hand, read on, I have a suggestion

Whether she wants to or not, she does have a case for Constructive Dismissal. Yes there are employment act issues around being able to take leave and about the employer not having to grant it, but they don't apply here because ...
- she gave 5 months notice of the event and the reason for the leave. I'm presuming she did apply formally at that time. That's not a prerequisite if you have documentation like emails advising of the intent
- to then decline at such a late hour, the employer has not acted in "good faith"
- if they never responded to her leave request or granted it in that 5 month period, they are again not acting in good faith or as a "responsible employer"
- If they haven't properly discussed this with her personally, they would be seen by the court as not fulfilling their obligations. They are required to do this.
- The reason her resignation is a "constructive dismissal" is that they have given her no choice but to resign. She has no options. The trip can't be cancelled, it is in a very good cause and there is most likely a considerabe cost in cancelling bookings and things. Her employer knows this and because they know that she has no options then they have forced her to resign - and that is the definition of "constructive dismissal"

OK, so what to do? Certainly wait to see if they accept her "resignation". If they do, let her workmates find out that she has been speaking to HR lawyers. They can let it drop to the employer while she maintains all her options and is not making threats.

If she is in demand in the market then she is probably well out of a ratbag organisation like that. However if the whole thing turns to custard, I would certainly recommend that she
- see an employment lawyer. Letters from them frighten the bejeezus out of employers and loosen their purse strings.
- go to the media about a week before you set out on the ride so that the media track your trip as a "special interest" item. That's good publicity (and donations) for the ride. Any bigger gap will loose momentum, reporters are like 2yr olds, short attention span.
- if it goes to the employment tribunual, make it known that half of the award of the court will go to the Cancer Society. Everyone on the goodies side wins!

Brett

[Lteejay]

Chin up guys. Some people/companies can't see past the end of their own noses or profit margins. You are doing a fantastic thing, so dont let one companies lack of insight spoil a great moment in your lives and the lives of those that will benefit. All I can say is the company who employs Carissa next will be very lucky.
Originally from the HB myself and if I am down that way on the 24th Feb, I will be in Taradale with bells on.

Good on ya guys. Safe Riding.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

First of all what a great wonderful thing you guys are doing... (and if you are in Dunedin come stop for a coffee (if the time is right I could be at work))

I agree with what the other guys have said, get the media involved (but start off as promoting your project and let it slip about the leave and stuff) don't bad mouth your ex employer as you don't want them taking any legal action against you.

Grub has excellent ideas... sounds like he knows what hes talking about


I use to live and work in Napier a few years ago I use to run and own Eagle Express Motorcycle Couriers

[Colapop]

Quotey

What he said!!

[mstriumph]

....................... told our employers it about it 5 months ago, all was good................................

did she put in a leave application then? was it approved at that time? ... if not, was she specific about the dates she wanted and did the employer she spoke to indicate verbally that she would get that leave? and did she make further plans on the basis of a verbal assurance from someone?

just that, if you are going to take legal action, those are prolly the sorts of things to be taken into account

....................... my wife’s company (which we will name if it isn’t resolved)

THREATENING to go public just before a new product launch may be of more use in getting what you want than actually doing it [which will just feel good but will put them in 'damage' mode concentrated on the launch rather than 'fear' mode concentrated on your wife's situation .....]

just my [unqualified] opinion

good luck with it!

[SlashWylde]

One word... MEDIA.

Serves two purposes, one, the company gets what is coming.
Two... Great exposure for your cause... I reckon THAT is your silver lining

Wot he said.

But in answer to your question, it is because most human beings are despicable self centered money hungry pigs. Whilst I commiserate with you both and applaud your wifes decision to leave this company, I don't find their actions that surprising in this day and age. Loyalty and hard work means nothing to a lot of companies these days. I speak from personal experience.

All the best for your venture. I would be interested to know the name of the company your wife left.