Hegemonicretribution
20th December 2005, 16:58
I work for the main brewery where I live, and it is a major business. You think that Russians drink? Try the Manx, apart from the government the brewery is the biggest employer here by quite some way. A standard contract places you on minimum wage £5.25 an hour GBP. There is no extra rates of ay, Christmas day, bank holidays, any time. There is no sick or holiday pay, in fact the contract only means that you have to give them a weeks notice before leaving.
In other words, with abuse and understaffing it is a real proletariat's job. I worked for a year, full time hours, but on the contract I highlighted above, as it is the only one you are likely to get on. This Christmas however I took exception. Last year we had closed the bar by 11:30 and were out before Xmas day, although we had the option of staying for a few drinks. We also had a meal bought for us by the landlord/lady who are actually nice (they are also contracted).
This year they tried to tell us we will be open until 1am, which in real terms means getting out by about 2:30 or even 3am. I thought fuck that. I looked into unions, and we aren't covered by anything specifically, although the T&G might cover us. So I decided I would tell them where to get off unless I was on tripple time. I work more than twice as quick as anyone else there and have been there more than twice as long, and at this time of year my work is worth far more than £5.25.
I went in for my wages today and was informed that everyone would be home before midnight again. It may be a miracle, but I think having 40% of the availible labour withdraw itself at short notice may have done something to help this. Especially with New years coming up, I could afford to be arrogant, who would start work before then, and who would know the bar quick enough in that time?
Anyone working in bars over the holidays, make sure you get what is yours, otherwise tell them to fuck off!
In other words, with abuse and understaffing it is a real proletariat's job. I worked for a year, full time hours, but on the contract I highlighted above, as it is the only one you are likely to get on. This Christmas however I took exception. Last year we had closed the bar by 11:30 and were out before Xmas day, although we had the option of staying for a few drinks. We also had a meal bought for us by the landlord/lady who are actually nice (they are also contracted).
This year they tried to tell us we will be open until 1am, which in real terms means getting out by about 2:30 or even 3am. I thought fuck that. I looked into unions, and we aren't covered by anything specifically, although the T&G might cover us. So I decided I would tell them where to get off unless I was on tripple time. I work more than twice as quick as anyone else there and have been there more than twice as long, and at this time of year my work is worth far more than £5.25.
I went in for my wages today and was informed that everyone would be home before midnight again. It may be a miracle, but I think having 40% of the availible labour withdraw itself at short notice may have done something to help this. Especially with New years coming up, I could afford to be arrogant, who would start work before then, and who would know the bar quick enough in that time?
Anyone working in bars over the holidays, make sure you get what is yours, otherwise tell them to fuck off!