The Waffling Wombat

PR19_Kit · April 16, 2025, 11:29:28 AM

Our US Headquarters were appalled at the way we had sick leave etc. in the UK and tried to impose the US system on us. I suggested to the US based Worldwide Service Manager, my boss over there, that if he REALLY wanted to enforce that system he'd have to supply all our service contracts from the US as all my guys would leave!

It took 2-3 weeks of persuasion before it got through to him that I wasn't joking!

Old Wombat · April 16, 2025, 09:19:29 PM

That's because US businesses have had either slave labour or illegal-immigrant labour as a stick to hold behind their back to hold down the wages & conditions of American workers.

Oh, & the British have done very similar things in the past - why do you think there are so many of Irish descent in the Tyne & Liverpool?

buzzbomb · April 16, 2025, 11:34:44 PM

Be coming good around not.. hope so anyway.

Plague is still out there. Did get my flu shot today though to give me the false sense of invincibility to that malady.

Rick Lowe · April 21, 2025, 05:29:09 AM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on April 16, 2025, 11:29:28 AMOur US Headquarters were appalled at the way we had sick leave etc. in the UK and tried to impose the US system on us. I suggested to the US based Worldwide Service Manager, my boss over there, that if he REALLY wanted to enforce that system he'd have to supply all our service contracts from the US as all my guys would leave!

It took 2-3 weeks of persuasion before it got through to him that I wasn't joking!

Back when the company I work for was taken over by a US one, they tried the same...
A big, fat 'Nope' on that - our Stat Holidays and leave entitlements are all Legislated.

AIUI, in the US you even have to negotiate to have statutory holidays off as part of your remuneration package, is that right?

scooter · April 21, 2025, 05:39:34 AM

Quote from: Rick Lowe on April 21, 2025, 05:29:09 AMAIUI, in the US you even have to negotiate to have statutory holidays off as part of your remuneration package, is that right?

Pretty much. If it's not the major US Federal holidays (New Years, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) you're working that bank holiday. New Jersey's Civil Service includes all the major holidays, minor holidays (the other bank holidays), plus Good Friday and Election Day. Of course, essential employees, like the State Police don't get those days off, but do get OT.

Rick Lowe · April 21, 2025, 05:47:16 AM

Well, that sucks. $:-\$

Old Wombat · April 21, 2025, 06:05:34 AM

No modelling lately & unlikely for some days to come. $:-\$

2 x extra adults, 2 x grandsons & 2 x extra dogs ... It's a madhouse around here!

Rick Lowe · April 21, 2025, 02:36:21 PM

Quote from: Old Wombat on April 21, 2025, 06:05:34 AMNo modelling lately & unlikely for some days to come. $:-\$

2 x extra adults, 2 x grandsons & 2 x extra dogs ... It's a madhouse around here!

But Time with Family is good, too.

Hope it all goes well.