Is this legal??

[simsfreq]

Hey. I have a Saturday job working for a large chain stationery/bookstore. From about 4.30-5pm until closing time the shop is basically dead and me and my friend Dean are stuck behind the tills so we chat until our manager comes up, glares at me and tells me to go and tidy the cards. Today at that time I was already occupied, there was an extra member of staff there and it hadn't been that busy so the store was immaculate. I was wandering around pretending to be busy and the manager tells Dean to tidy the cards. He gets bored and starts talking to me. Cue angry manager, I disappear hurriedly, Dean gets a double warning and is told if one more strike, he's out.
It strikes me that this is very unfair. I just wondered if it was illegal.

[Scarlett]

Yes, it is legal!  I once had a job in an art shop, and it was very quiet most of the time. If the boss was around you had to LOOK BUSY the whole time. After all, he was paying us to work. Breaks are for chatting. There is always something that can be done, and if you have no idea what to do, ask your boss!

Try to see it from yout bosses point of view. He has a business, and when it is quiet, he is naturally worried as he is paying staff, but not earning any money. So it adds insult to injury if the staff are not even working, but chatting- or as he may see it- flirting.

I know it's harsh, but work means work. Save chatting to Dean for your break time, or when the boss is out!!

[simsfreq]

What I meant about it being unfair was that I have never had any kind of warning, it's not fair that he should get a double warning on his first offence, and I'm late all the time (Which I didn't actually realise until today, they never said anything before. My watch must be slow.) So... it just seems unfair, why not give me a warning? Not that I want one of course, it's just odd.

[january_bug]

Also, for goodness sake don't mention to the boss, or any other colleagues that you think his behaviour is illegal!  Or even unfair!

Just get your heads down and try and get back into the good books.  If there is more than one till, I suggest that you voluntarily split yourselves up a bit, when the boss is around. 

If Dean gets sacked, then fairness becomes a more important question.  Make sure that, if any warnings are written, that he keeps the letters!!  However, by just keeping your heads down and working really hard for a few weeks, and then just hard etc, you'll be fine. 

You (both of you) could always go to the boss and ask that you could all re-confirm your duties for the end of the day, and ask if there are any long term tasks that need doing.   That way, when boredom strikes, you'll have something to do and won't risk more tellings off.

I know what it's like though.  I've worked at so many catering events whee we've been told off for chatting where there is NOOOOOTHING to do!  Even after we'd asked for something to do! 

Good luck!

[joko]

Could it be that he fancies you and is jealous of your chats with Dean and thats why he's being unfair to him? He may seem cold towards you but sometimes that's how people deal with these sorts of things...He could be angry that you don't chat to him the same way...