How should I handle this situation? v. problem at work

[quakefiend420]

I recently accepted a new position in the company I've been working at for almost two years, today was my first day in the new job. I first interviewed for a different position in the same group, and we discussed that I would be on-call sometimes, however they rotate the schedules. I was fine with that. A few days after my interview they asked if I would be interested in a job in the same department on the same team, just working with a different aspect of our product line. I agreed, and we hammered out an offer letter and I signed.

Fast forward to today, this was my first day in the new position, and I was informed at the end of the day in a matter-of-fact way that I would be on-call 24/7/365. This was not communicated to me during the interview process, and I am not getting an on-call differential. In fact, with the workload that this team apparently has, I will actually be making less on an hourly basis than I was before since I will be on-call ALL THE TIME.

My replacement(that I trained) for my old job started today as well, so I'm kind of between a rock and a hard place right now...I'm going to speak to my hiring manager tomorrow about this, but I'm not sure how this is going to play out. I haven't signed anything stating that I agreed to be on-call 24/7, only to a salary based on a 40hr workweek.

Any suggestions on how to proceed? I feel like I'm getting screwed here, and if I had known I would be on-call 24/7 I wouldn't have accepted the position...they aren't paying me enough to own my entire life.

 

[HannibalX]

Seems slimy to me. You can tell them you won't be on call per your offer letter and they can tell you they are altering your assigned duties. If you refuse to be on call they could let you go.

 

[Vette73]

If the job letter does not say you are on the clock all the time then tell them they need to pay for any extra hours you come in.


Be firm or be carpet and walked on, your choice.

 

[Mr. Pedantic]

If you didn't sign it, you didn't agree. If you don't work out an acceptable compromise tomorrow, then start turning off your phone when you're not supposed to be on-call as per the previous arrangement. This is, of course, if you read through the contract multiple times thoroughly and are absolutely certain there is nothing in there about requiring you to be on-call all the time as part of your normal work duties.

 

[lokiju]

Raise hell.

 

[rudeguy]

lol @ everyone telling you to raise hell.

For sure talk to your bass. There has to be some reason that you took this job over the other one, right? How often would you actually get called if you were on call? What happens if you don't answer when you are on call (and not being paid for it)?

 

[Fritzo]

Write down what you understood the job was, and what is now expected of you, and talk to your HR dept. If it's a decent company you'll either get a pay raise or be put back where you were.

 

[Mike Gayner]

For sure talk to your bass.

 

[HomerSapien]

Do the professional thing and talk to your bass. I mean take a sick day and go fishing.

 

[Miramonti]

That's either a huge oversight on their part or a very sleezy underhanded move.

I'd diplomatically and tactfully take a hard stand.

 

[rudeguy]

That's either a huge oversight on their part or a very sleezy underhanded move.

I'd diplomatically and tactfully take a hard stand.

it also sounds like there are some details missing.

Diplomatic and tactful yet firm is the way to go on this. If they value you, they wouldn't just poo on you like that.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I would bring it up and strongly suggest they at least get a 2nd person so you can rotate with. What happens when you go on vacation? If you still have to be on call that's BS.

You could also just go on a 6 month stress leave, it's the way to go these days. 😛 (j/k)