For those who don't know, I work as a projectionist for a movie theater. Today I went in to pick up my paycheck and to see when I worked next. I got my check, peeked at the measely sum I was paid ($40 ) and went upstairs to check the schedule. When I got there I noticed that I was only working one day, for 5 hours, on our slowest shift: sunday morning. The real kicker is that I wasn't even scheduled for projection. They scheduled me to run a freakin' cash register! I've told my boss before, I don't work registers. So I knew somethin' was up.

I went to talk to my boss and she said that I was being reprimanded. I barely do anything wrong there, so I looked at her and my eyes popped in and out like this little fella ---> . She said that during my last shift I left without telling anyone and a few movies didn't get started.

First off, when your shift is up, you leave. How hard is that to comprehend? Secondly, how can I be held responsible for movies that are scheduled hours later? Thirdly, my boss didn't schedule a projectionist from 4:30 until 6. My shift ended at 4:30 so i left out the back door where I was parked. Also, I always leave out the back door and don't tell anyone when I'm leaving. I've been doing this for months without a problem.

So I basically told her to give my hours to someone else and left. I told my parents about it and they just told me to quit. They said they'll cover the car payment for me this month. I turn 18 in a few weeks so I can finally get a much better paying job. I just hope the theater won't give me a bad reference.



Well, that's my story. My boss is an idiot.

-Matt

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cobreth
[B]For those who don't know, I work as a projectionist for a movie theater.

 

sorry you think your boss is an idiot.. but i have to agree, i don't see anything wrong with that either of you did. you didn't have to stay, you could have left and since you weren't scheduled, thats not your responsibilty, but in all honesty, people need to start taking more responsbility not only for themselves, but for the company as a whole.

Thats why i hate freakn unions. i just heard that during the great big snowstorm here in the mid atlantic, the train coming down from washington dc to richmond took a really long time because of snow and flodding, by the time they were getting close to richmond, the train stopped because according the the engineer, in their contract, they are only allow to operate for 12 hours max. The stopped the train 4 miles from the station, and called in the replacement crew. now that is freakn sad.

How does this relate. The crew did the same thing as you did, followed what they were suppose to do, and in their minds, the were correct. but do a little more thinking!! not just for yourself, but the moviegoers and owners....

 

DKHL,

Usually OTR Truckers are required by law to only operate their rig for 12 hours without a rest. I bet that also applies to engineers. The law was enacted for the safety of the public so that truckers wouldn't drive dangerously sleepy while pulling an all-nighter. Probably can't blame the union for this one.

David

 

i guess what i was upset about was the fact that it was sooo close, they wouldn't let the passengers off, and they could have arranged to be intercepted prior to the 12 hour cut off time...

 

Your boss is not an idiot. She got what she really wanted and that was for you to walk out.

I manage retail stores and one easy way to weed out a problem employee is to cut their hours. Sounds like she was cutting your hours and even worse, scheduling you on only 1 day and a Sunday to boot.

I'm not saying that you are to blame. Simple fact is that there are many folks who do not appreciate the opportunity to develop other people. How old is your past manager?

 

Airgate, you're in retail too? Cutting hours, heh it's a nice lil' trick isn't it?

Matt, first off, sounds like you had a real cool job. Cinema Paradiso is the image I keep thinking to myself... oh well, back to the commentary, not to slam ya but I totally agree with Fear Itself, in today's work society, employers are constantly looking for team players. Those that will cover when something needs covering. Can you imagine if I got a job at McD's and a co-worker got sick and I told my manager "Hey, I only flip burgers, I don't do fries...???" That would be totally irresponsible of me. Instead I should ask "Hey what else needs help around here?" Sure it might sound like a kiss ass remark but you know what, upper management will always remember the initative and if ever you shifted jobs, you don't burn bridges. Leaving work or leaving home, it's always nice to let someone know. Sure you don't need to do it but boy the people who are told really appreciate it and it reflects a certain class in a person.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dkhl
[B] because according the the engineer, in their contract, they are only allow to operate for 12 hours max.

 

[gratuitous sarcasm] My father was killed in a fire caused by an overworked projectionist [/gratuitous sarcasm]

 

Fear Itself,
I'd have to agree with dkhl. Suppose the 12-hour limit work period were to apply to doctors..

"Gee, I'm sorry but my shift is up. I know I'm in middle of a (heart/brain/eye) surgery but just hold on till the next surgeon clocks in. I'm leaving!"

I think pulling 12 hours plus 4 miles (I guess an extra 30 minutes at most) wouldn't be too much to ask.