Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi,

I'm a bit frustrating about my covers action with my director about the Christmas party for the kids. I my roarer said I finish at 4pm and we have a Xmas party at the centre for children and their parents that doesn't finish till 5:30. My director told me that I have to help out clean up and stay longer with no pay, no time in lieu for as long as they need us. I find this is quite unreasonable as I would consider this volunteering without asking me and expect me to know it is Christmas party. She told me it's part of the job and it works in all centres across Oz. is that true? Or should I just leave at my roaster time and walk out at 4? As I already worked my 7.5hours for the day.
I offer to help out for 30mins after my roaster time for free she was not happy and said I should just stay till everything is done.

Someone help me pls.

Your director is not correct in saying that this works in all centres across Australia, unless the staff are also getting a meal at the party which is paid for by the centre. If the staff are getting fed then it is reasonable for you not to be paid, but if you are working and not having food provided for you then yes I believe you should be getting some form of pay.

Hi Lorina,

Thank you for your confirmation. I agreed with you. I feel that the director was very unreasonable and the way she spoke to me was very disrespectful. Because right after the discussion i was told my job is to clean the bath room. So After all the drama I have decided to resign and leave the centre. I was very unhappy with the way I was treated in there. I have reported this incident to the company that manages with the director. I have requested to have my annual leave and any entitlement paid to me. I came to a point I really don't want to have anything to do with them and hope the best of for the rest of the employee in there. I'm very sad about the situation and how I have been treated.

Now I am looking for a new position while im studying my diploma so I hope to find a centre that is ethical, reasonable and understand that Educator are have rights and dignity too.

Thank you for your support Lorina,

I agreed that she does have the ego issues. I'm happy that I have left the centre.

However, i have very good news. I went to a Pre School today and gave them my resume to apply for casual work while studying. They are very happy with me and said I could start with them early next year and gave me all the information pack. The staffs in the pre school seems to be very friendly and nice. All the paper work they gave it to me looks much proper than the last centre I was at. They also told me they are going to open another centre next year so there will be opportunity for me to grow. I'm so excited In the mean time I can study as much as I can to catch up with all my assignments too. YAY!

Thank you so much for making me feel much better and I am on the rights of ethics. I do believe been ethical in children services is very important. As my last centre it was very messy where they left me with 18 children on my own at one stage. So I'm glad Im out of it too.