Possible Disiplinary Action

LegacyUser

So found out yesterday that I might be getting disciplinary action against me on Monday

Long story so saying sorry now!

I work in a hotel and we have some VVVIP's that stay with us a lot. Whoever is on the early shift assigns the room that they go to and makes housekeeping aware to VIP the room.

Anyway I was on the late shift and didn't know that they were given a noisy room, I was having my lunch and he came to check in, someone else (new girl) checked him in and he came back a few mins later and wanted to move so I was called out to help.

I had a look and we only had one other room that was like his but quieter but it was also going to another VIP so I explained that I could give him a quiet room but it wasn't as big as the room he is used to. He was annoyed but said ok to the move and asked that a manager called him.

Spoke to manager and he decided to take the room we had held for the other VIP.

That's it that's why I'm facing disciplinary action!!! Am I wrong to think that this is unfair. Was speaking to another manager tonight about it and he heard that it was because I was always late (I live less than 2 mins away and am NEVER EVER late)

Anyway sorry if any of this is confusing but is there anything I can do? I have never been complained about, a guest has never complained about me (usually its the opposite) I think they are looking for reasons to crack the whip and decided that I am the whipping post

StillWaters

Worriedaboutjob wrote: »

So found out yesterday that I might be getting disciplinary action against me on Monday

Long story so saying sorry now!

I work in a hotel and we have some VVVIP's that stay with us a lot. Whoever is on the early shift assigns the room that they go to and makes housekeeping aware to VIP the room.

Anyway I was on the late shift and didn't know that they were given a noisy room, I was having my lunch and he came to check in, someone else (new girl) checked him in and he came back a few mins later and wanted to move so I was called out to help.

I had a look and we only had one other room that was like his but quieter but it was also going to another VIP so I explained that I could give him a quiet room but it wasn't as big as the room he is used to. He was annoyed but said ok to the move and asked that a manager called him.

Spoke to manager and he decided to take the room we had held for the other VIP.

That's it that's why I'm facing disciplinary action!!! Am I wrong to think that this is unfair. Was speaking to another manager tonight about it and he heard that it was because I was always late (I live less than 2 mins away and am NEVER EVER late)

Anyway sorry if any of this is confusing but is there anything I can do? I have never been complained about, a guest has never complained about me (usually its the opposite) I think they are looking for reasons to crack the whip and decided that I am the whipping post

That doesn't make sense, you dont seem to have done thing to justify disciplinary action. How do you know you are facing action, who told you? They should have clearly stated the reasons. You will have a right to reply, and be issued with a warning first. Try and get a copy of your companies disciplinary policy, and a clear reason why you are facing action.

Nody

Well the question is what they have on you and what action they want to take; for example what's the policy if a VIP complains about the room? Did you follow it correctly? Are you sure you clocked in on time every single day including breaks etc.

LegacyUser

Yeah really sure, we're entitled to 15 and 30 minute breaks, don't actually get the 15 and I never take the full 30 mins. There is no procedure for the VIP's, and everyone I spoke to said what I did was fine. It was my department head that said she had to speak to HR and that I could be facing it. I still cant see why though

LegacyUser

Me again

So met my head of department today and she said that she understood that I didnt assign the room or check him in but because they have had problems with rooms (all housekeeping issues) and I didn't call the duty manager before I moved him (which we never do) im getting a verbal warning and should get it in writing during the week. It will stay on my record for 6 months.

I said that I didn't think it was fair and that I didn't think I should because I was in no way unprofessional and the guest had no issues with me or how I handled it but it doesn't matter. She said I can talk to HR if i want.

Any advice how I should handle this?? Im so angry now and feel that because it was my head of department that allocated the room he wanted to move from in the first place that I'm getting in trouble for her mistake

Procrastastudy

worried OP wrote: »

Me again

So met my head of department today and she said that she understood that I didnt assign the room or check him in but because they have had problems with rooms (all housekeeping issues) and I didn't call the duty manager before I moved him (which we never do) im getting a verbal warning and should get it in writing during the week. It will stay on my record for 6 months.

I said that I didn't think it was fair and that I didn't think I should because I was in no way unprofessional and the guest had no issues with me or how I handled it but it doesn't matter. She said I can talk to HR if i want.

Any advice how I should handle this?? Im so angry now and feel that because it was my head of department that allocated the room he wanted to move from in the first place that I'm getting in trouble for her mistake

You can't get a warning without an investigation and a hearing. I don;t want to go into too much detail because legal advice can't be sought here. I suggest that you do one of two things if that procedure wasn't followed.

a) Grin and bear it - for the sake of peace and harmony
b) Raise a grievance and expect retribution - if you've been in the company less than a year do a).

LegacyUser

I've been there just over a year.

I don't want to take it at all, if I did take it and found a new job could they give me a bad reference because of it?

Esoteric_

As said above, you cannot be given a warning without an investigation and a hearing where you should be allowed to give your side of the story.

How long have you been working there? If you are there less than a year, you can pretty much be let go for little or no reason, so I'd bite my tongue if that is the case, unless you can live without the job.

If you are there over a year, keep everything documented and send a complaint, in writing, to your HR department, sent by registered post.

Ultimately, what they're doing is wrong, but you need to tread very carefully, depending on how long you've been working in the company.

Procrastastudy

worried OP wrote: »

I've been there just over a year.

I don't want to take it at all, if I did take it and found a new job could they give me a bad reference because of it?

Its not as simple as good/bad references. I had a major falling out with my employer. There was a very carefully drafted agreement when I left including that they would provide a good reference. However the grape vine works its magic occationally.

A company wouldnt give you a bad reference per se but there are ways to make reading between the lines easier.

I'm not trying to put you off making a complaint - I would - but then I've just told you about my situation...

Mrs OBumble

OP, have HR actually been involved in this yet? I would expect that they would have oversight of your managers and the quality of the warnings they are giving. From what you said, it doesn't sound like this quality is great. Perhaps you should talk to HR?

smcgiff

worried OP wrote: »

I didn't call the duty manager before I moved him (which we never do)

'We never do' is probably not a good enough defence if it's what you are supposed to do. So, there is an issue.

However, it does seem heavy handed. While this is something that is not done, are management trying to get it to become the standard action by disciplining you as an example.

Bad form if they are, there are other ways to do it. But, again - we usually only ever hear one side of the story in these cases.