Ramblings of a Grouch

At work we have done surprisingly well through the recession. We had been working full time up to the end of 2008. Sadly, we made redundancies at the beginning of 2009, but even then business forced us to cut the numbers of workers being released and we continued working a full week throughout the company.

Now, however, things are changing. Some parts of the business are booming, other parts are a little slack and so we have been forced to reduce the working week to 4 or 4.5 days for about half our people. We signed a personal agreement to that effect as we could see the sense in it. The company could have been a lot harsher and more restrictive but it has always prided itself on looking after its workers, and the present situation is no different.

And two people refused to accept this (temporary) agreement. They think the company should do more. They think they should be fully employed regardless of the availability of work. They feel hard done by.

So what should we have done? Let them sit at home on their fat arses all day whilst still drawing full pay> Got rid of two other workers so they could remain in full time employment? Show them the order books, company accounts, let them interview the directors and management?

Sadly, UK law forbids the use of hot irons and black, rusty pincers. Because thet's what I would like to use to make them see sense.

Most people are glad of a job, glad of the continuity of employment and appreciate that things will return to normal as soon as they possibly can.

Again, it is the case of the minority spoiling things for the majority. What they don't seem to understand is that their attitudes will be remembered for a long time ...