One of the worst parts about shift work is being sent home early—despite all the memes and jokes to the contrary. Sure, when you're a student, you might gladly raise your hand to be sent home early since you probably don't want to be there in the first place and would rather be out studying or partying. And you're young enough and in enough debt already from your student loans that it's hard to see how a few hours working is going to make any difference… That or your parents are paying for everything already, and the job is just for spending money.
But when you're relying on the income, and seriously relying on that income, being sent home early is basically taking a pay cut for whatever hours you're missing, and you might very well need that money for rent, food, or bills. This insecurity in pay leaves workers in a vulnerable position even when it's being practiced in an upstanding way, but all too often, there is a culture of coercion that comes along with the practice, consisting mainly of thinly veiled threats, pressure, retaliation and conversations behind closed doors for those who refuse to take the cut to their hours.
When this employer canceled a worker's shift 10 minutes before their shift was set to start, it was the final straw for them, and they called it up, but not before giving their employer a piece of their mind. They later shared their story with this online workplace community.
Like what you see? Follow our WhatsApp channel for more.
Stay up to date by following us on Facebook!