Discussions

Ok, I am a little disturbed by a phone call I just ended with my supervisor. I have worked at a new plant for a couple of years now. Business has not grown to near the initial level that was first expected when hiring began almost 3 years ago. I have an eerie feeling because I have been through more than 1 downturn in a couple of other jobs so i did initiate the conversation because I am not feeling comfortable right now. He was at least honest, and said "yes, things are not rosy and things are going to have to change". Now the company on a whole is doing well, but my plant is struggling. So here is the thing. Other divisions have hired multiple employees after I have started with the company. I outright asked "If the worst happens, would I be able to bump a newer employee from another division?" My skills and experience are equivalent to what other areas need, so they can't say I would not be qualified to do other jobs, yet I was told no. Unless there was an immediate need then I would get first chance to fill a position, but would not be able to bump. My company is non unionized too. I will try to snoop further tomorrow once government offices are open, but can they do this to me? Freaking out because I have had more than 1 venture stall and leave me short and getting fed up! I work hard and bring a lot of experience but it seems this pattern follows me.

An employer can do what ever they want with you. Just because you are there for 3 years doesn't give you job security. Many people think this. As long as you are given proper notice or pay in lieu of there isn't much you can do. Many people get a chip on their shoulder thinking they are untouchable. Not saying this is the case but it does happen a lot.

Fishin Guy said "An employer can do what ever they want with you. Just because you are there for 3 years doesn't give you job security. Many people think this. As long as you are given proper notice or pay in lieu of there isn't much you can do. Many people get a chip on their shoulder thinking they are untouchable. Not saying this is the case but it does happen a lot. "

That is why people look for a unionized company ...

braid said "    Fishin Guy said "An employer can do what ever they want with you. Just because you are there for 3 years doesn't give you job security. Many people think this. As long as you are given proper notice or pay in lieu of there isn't much you can do. Many people get a chip on their shoulder thinking they are untouchable. Not saying this is the case but it does happen a lot. " That is why people look for a unionized company ... "

it is why some people may look for unionized places but there is issues with working in those places too, similar for this situation is the opposite scenario, no matter how hard, smart and great you are at your job the guy who just shows up still has more seniority and therefore gets the position even if he'd be horrible at it, not good for the employees or employees  
 
Op if this seems to be a trend and you cant handle the insecurity i would suggest next time out look for a more established company, still can happen but less chance, also depending on your industry you might want to switch or look at higher demand fields  
 
it sucks but no one is guaranteed a position for life

braid said "    Fishin Guy said "An employer can do what ever they want with you. Just because you are there for 3 years doesn't give you job security. Many people think this. As long as you are given proper notice or pay in lieu of there isn't much you can do. Many people get a chip on their shoulder thinking they are untouchable. Not saying this is the case but it does happen a lot. " That is why people look for a unionized company ... "

And how does that help being in a union? I find that an interesting comment.  
 
I have a buddy who works in a unionized company. He wanted to transfer divisions. He had to apply for a transfer and wait until an opening came up. It didn't matter his amount of years of seniority. He couldn't just walk into the other division and say he has more seniority so they need to let some other employee go to accommodate him. Realistically there was nothing stopping the OP from applying to another division when they were doing the hiring of new employees at his company.

It depends on the contract language but I think you're talking about two different items that would be in a collective agreement. Transfers vs transfers in the event of layoffs. Fishin Guy, of course your buddy couldn't decide one day he wanted a different job and bump a guy because he had more seniority (he would have got that position over that guy if he had applied when the other guy got it) - he would have to wait for an opening. In the event of a layoff, I would guess there would be a clause stating that seniority would bump newer employees (last in first out). Unfortunately for Collie since his employer isn't unionized, he won't have this job security. Fishin Guy was right when he said as long as an employer gives proper notice and follows employment standards regulations when it comes to layoffs, they're within their rights.

Fishin Guy said "    braid said "    Fishin Guy said "An employer can do what ever they want with you. Just because you are there for 3 years doesn't give you job security. Many people think this. As long as you are given proper notice or pay in lieu of there isn't much you can do. Many people get a chip on their shoulder thinking they are untouchable. Not saying this is the case but it does happen a lot. " That is why people look for a unionized company ... " And how does that help being in a union? I find that an interesting comment.     I have a buddy who works in a unionized company. He wanted to transfer divisions. He had to apply for a transfer and wait until an opening came up. It didn't matter his amount of years of seniority. He couldn't just walk into the other division and say he has more seniority so they need to let some other employee go to accommodate him. Realistically there was nothing stopping the OP from applying to another division when they were doing the hiring of new employees at his company. "

Depending on the collective agreement, there might be bumping clauses, retraining, or serverance packages if nothing else can be done.

but you were hired to do your job not mine, just because your job is no longer relevant/needed, how does that give you the right to take my job if I have given no reason for my firing??????