Disciplinary from employer.

[Trowe87]

Hi all,

I've had an issue recently with my employer.
Last week I requested a day off unpaid to attend an interview, I told my team leader who said he would inform the manager.
so two days later I attend my interview, having not been told I cannot and return to work the following day where my colleagues and team leader ask me how it went etc.
Later the manager comes to speak to me and asks me where I was the day before! He said I had not been allowed a day off and would be given a disciplinary and I had to fill in a return to work form.
Today I got my letter informing me my disciplinary is on the 29th July and they are saying its for taking a day off for an interview that was not granted and for being insubordinate to my manager!?
considering I only spoke to my manager to be asked where I was and be given my disciplinary letter in confused.
what should I do / can I do here?
Also my disciplinary meeting is being conducted by my managers girlfriend.
Ive never had a verbal or written warning before if that helps.
Perjaps I should not have been honest and just rang in sick like I know others do. :-/

[Trowe87]

Re: Disciplinary from employer.

Oh just to add my team leader said to me after that he told me to ask the manager for the day off. Although he definitely told me he would tell the manager!

[Johnboy007]

Re: Disciplinary from employer.

Hi,
For a start off, request in writing, that the disciplinary hearing on the 29th July be heard by a different person.
Point out that a conflict of interest would exist because of the personal relationship between the manager and the woman dealing with the disciplinary procedure.
The conflict in a conflict of interest exists whether or not a particular individual is actually influenced by the secondary interest.
It exists if the circumstances are reasonably believed, to create a risk that decisions (by girlfriend) may be unduly influenced by secondary interests. (the manager)
Ask for copies of the companies Disciplinary, Appeals and Grievance procedures.
Have you checked if the Team Leader actually informed the manager.
If he hasn't then use that as an excuse..
Say you understood that any request made to your team leader, would be passed to the correct person.
Say, if it hasn't, then it is not of your doing.
Inform them that you have acted correctly.
Deny being subordinate to your manager, and stick to it.
Never admit anything.
Stick to the procedures, and keep copies of all and any correspondence.

[Trowe87]

Re: Disciplinary from employer.

Thanks, will type up a letter requesting that. What if they refuse?
Can they decide to sack me for this? One of my colleagues thought insubordination was a stackable offence but I can't see how I have been insubordinate in anyway.

[Trowe87]

Re: Disciplinary from employer.

*sackable

[Johnboy007]

Re: Disciplinary from employer.

Hi,
You should be allowed a colleague or union rep in with you at any hearing.
If your company refuse to allow another person to hold the meeting, make sure you or your colleague note this down.
Hand the woman holding the meeting a letter stating the following.
I ( your name ) am attending this meeting under duress.
I believe that a conflict of interest exists.
I do not accept this meeting to be, one that would be considered a fair and just procedure.
I reserve the right, not to make any statement at this time.
Signed......... ?? Keep a copy of this.
Any questions put to you should be answered with 'NO COMMENT'.
It will drive them mad, and they will probably tell you that you have to say something.
You do not have to say anything.
If you have absolute proof that the woman is a girlfriend of the manager, a tribunal would rule in your favour.
Stand firm on this one, as it is unlikely that you would get a fair and unbiased hearing and decision.

[Trowe87]

Re: Disciplinary from employer.

Thanks
I've handed in my letter today asking for the staff member change, however the letter is to be given to my managers girlfriend and both of them are now on holiday until the day before my meeting, so I guess I won't hear anything back until then. :-/

[Johnboy007]

Re: Disciplinary from employer.

Give a copy of the letter to your personnel officer, (if you have one) and request that it be sorted out by higher management.
If you have a grievance procedure then start that.
Say you are unhappy with how procedure is not being followed and ask for an investigation by senior management.

[innocentuntilprovenguilty]

Re: Disciplinary from employer.

Hi everyone, i need some help with a problem.
Im currently on voluntary suspension from work, and im scheduled to appear at a disciplinary procedure, the problem i have is the accusations some are false but one is true. i held my hands up and admitted my error due to pregnancy related issues n stress caused by my boss n mine relationship. I have had enough of them treating me like a scapegoat and the others involved are getting off scott free.
I fi want to leave the company can i just resign or terminate my contract or see it through to potential dismissal??
i would like to find an other job elsewhere and i want what integrity i have left intact - whats my best option please help me??