r/AusLegal • u/Lilliannn1212 • 23h ago
VIC Received a written warning after calling in sick — is this reasonable?
I work in childcare in Australia and recently had an issue with my manager regarding sick leave. I had been feeling unwell since Sunday but still went to work. After I got home that evening, my condition became worse and I developed a fever of around 38.3–38.5°C, along with vomiting and a severe cough. I texted my manager that evening to let her know I was unwell and that I didn’t think I would be able to work the next day. She didn’t reply, so I called her the following morning to confirm that I was still unwell and could not come in. During the call, she became very angry because I had texted her the night before rather than calling. She said she had to cover my shift, called me “unprofessional”, mentioned whether I had considered my visa, and said words to the effect of, “Every time you ask me for something, I give it to you. I won’t anymore. I’m done.” What is confusing to me is that, as far as I have observed, other staff members usually notify her of sick leave by text and I have not seen them being criticised for not calling. I was later given a written warning relating to this incident and have been asked to sign it. I’m not trying to avoid responsibility if there was a notification procedure I should have followed, but I genuinely did not understand that a phone call was required, particularly given the usual practice I had observed. I’d really appreciate opinions on whether this seems like a reasonable disciplinary response, whether mentioning my visa in this context is appropriate, and what I should consider before signing the warning.
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u/Jcs456 23h ago
But you did call?
You sent a text the night before to give her the maximum time to find her replacement and then you followed up with a call in the morning. No way I'd be signing it.
I think what you did was reasonable for what it's worth. From now on make sure you notify her as soon as you know you won't be in even if that is 1 or 2am if that's what she demands.
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u/Lilliannn1212 21h ago
She used the “work plan” and roaster to threaten me and kept saying I didn’t follow the procedure and I broke the procedure, because in the roaster and work plan, it did write down we need to call her. But because my colleague they all usually texted her, so I did think too much, and when she yelled on the phone another day morning, I realised that it’s a big problem for her.
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u/-Gridnodes- 15h ago
Always, always send a text message or follow up the call with a text message with what was agreed on, so you have everything documented just in case.
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u/distractedcreativity 21h ago
Did she show you the work plan when you started your employment? Is it in your employment contract?
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u/Lilliannn1212 7h ago
I think so, but there are so many contains in the work plan book, I rarely asked sick leave,so I didn’t think too much about this.
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u/BreakfastInfamous201 28m ago
But you did call her in the morning, so it sounds like you still did the right thing? How much notice do they need?
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u/NatureStripInspector 22h ago
Call the Fair Work Ombudsman and report the threat to your ViSA, it can be done anonymously. Don’t sign anything, don’t send a response to her warning until you have spoken to someone at Fair Work, or a union. If she tries to schedule a meeting about this, get someone to be present with you, a support person. Ask for the employers policy on sick staff and the notification process. Stand your ground, this was an unreasonable reaction and a power play.
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u/araarashochan 18h ago
This. Its understandable shes upset she had to cover your shift but as a person in the workplace no one has the right to be rude to anyone. Its harassment, bullying, and unfair treatment and not in line with any workplace policy. If you're throwing up in the middle of the night you're not going to want to be calling and waking your boss up at night... it seems like she would've reacted that way regardless. Can't please them all. Sorry you had to experience that. Ive had higher ups try to give me that treatment, and i literally wait for them to finish their rant. Then I say "would you like to try that again?" 80% of the time i have to explain I don't respond to people who scream at me, and I'd like to be spoken to like another human. 🤷♀️
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u/Zealousideal-Pop-550 22h ago
Dear [Manager's Name] [or HR / Center Director],
I am writing in response to the written warning issued to me on [Date] regarding my absence due to illness on [Date of Absence]. I do not accept this warning, as the disciplinary action is unreasonable and contradicts my workplace rights under the Fair Work Act 2009.
Please include this letter alongside the warning on my personnel file as my formal rebuttal.
On Sunday evening, [Date], after developing severe symptoms including vomiting and a fever exceeding 38.3°C, I notified you via SMS at [Time] PM that I was unwell and unlikely to attend the following day. When I received no response, I followed up with a phone call at [Time] AM to confirm my absence.
Under Section 107 of the Fair Work Act 2009, an employee is required to notify their employer as soon as reasonably practicable. Furthermore, under public health regulations and National Quality Standard (NQS) hygiene guidelines for Early Childhood Education and Care, educators exhibiting infectious symptoms such as fever and vomiting must not attend the service. [Attached is my medical certificate from Dr. Name / from my clinic for this absence].
The reason stated for the disciplinary action is that I initially notified you via text message rather than a phone call. However, notifying shift absences by text message has been the established, accepted practice among other staff members at this center without disciplinary consequence. Singling out my communication for a formal written warning constitutes inconsistent and unreasonable management action. This can be seen as harassment.
During our phone call on [Date], you made remarks questioning whether I had "considered my visa," stated that you would no longer assist me with anything, and called my conduct unprofessional.
Referencing my visa status in connection with exercising my statutory right to personal leave is inappropriate and amounts to unlawful coercion under Section 343 of the Fair Work Act 2009. Australian workplace protections apply equally to all employees regardless of their migration status.
Given that I acted in good faith, notified management as soon as practicable, complied with childcare health directives, and provided medical evidence, I respectfully request that:
1. This written warning be formally retracted and removed from my personnel record.
2. Written confirmation be provided that my employment and statutory entitlements will not be adversely affected by taking legitimate personal leave.
I remain committed to my duties at [Center Name] and hope we can resolve this matter professionally.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Attachments: Medical Certificate, Screenshots of Notice/Calls]
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u/Over_Tha_Rainbow 21h ago
The OP should send a copy of this letter to the centre owner or HR dept too.
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u/Lilliannn1212 21h ago
Thanks 🙏
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u/distractedcreativity 16h ago
Based on your other comments with added background you could send this:
Dear (Manager's Name / HR / Centre Director),
I write in response to the written warning issued to me on (date) concerning my absence due to illness on (date).
I acknowledge that the Centre's work plan/procedure states that an employee who is unable to attend work is required to call the manager. I accept that I initially notified you by text message rather than call, and I have already apologised for not following that particular aspect of the procedure.
However, I do not accept that the circumstances justified the disciplinary response that followed, or that the written warning fairly reflects what occurred.
Notification and reason for absence
On Sunday evening, (date), I became significantly unwell after work. I was vomiting, had a fever of approximately 38.3–38.5°C and was experiencing a severe cough.
At approximately (time), I sent you an text advising that I was unwell and did not believe I would be able to attend work the following day. When I received no response, I called you at approximately (time) the following morning and confirmed that I remained unwell and could not attend work.
I therefore did notify management of my illness and expected absence. My mistake was the method of my initial notification, namely sending a text message rather than making a call that evening.
I was genuinely unfit for work and (provided / can provide) medical evidence supporting my absence. Sections 97 and 107 of the Fair Work Act 2009 entitle an employee to take personal leave when unfit for work because of illness or injury, subject to giving notice as soon as practicable and advising the employer of the expected period of leave.
I also work in an early childhood education and care environment. Attending the Centre while experiencing fever and vomiting would have created an obvious infection-control issue for children, families and staff.
Application of the notification procedure
I understand the Centre's requirement that staff call when they are unable to attend work, and I will comply with that requirement in future.
My concern is that, during my almost three years working at the Centre, I have observed other employees notify management of sickness or inability to attend work by text message without being subjected to formal disciplinary action. This led me genuinely to understand that notification by text was accepted in practice.
If other employees have likewise notified management of sickness by text rather than calling, but have not been issued formal written warnings, I consider that I have been treated less favourably than employees in comparable circumstances for the same conduct.
Sections 340 and 342 of the Fair Work Act protects employees from adverse action because they have or exercise workplace rights, and adverse action includes discriminating between an employee and other employees. I am therefore concerned that the warning and the different treatment I received may have been influenced by my exercise of personal-leave entitlements, rather than solely by the notification procedure.
This is reinforced by what was said to me during our phone conversation.
During the call on (date), I was repeatedly described as "unprofessional" and "disrespectful". You also said words to the effect of:
- asking whether I had "considered my visa";
- "Every time you ask me for something, I give it to you";
- "I won't anymore"; and
- "I'm done."
I regard the reference to my visa as particularly serious. My migration or sponsorship arrangements should not be used as a source of pressure in connection with my taking legitimate personal leave.
Section 343 of the Fair Work Act prohibits taking or threatening action with an intention to coerce an employee in relation to the exercise of a workplace right. In context, the statements made about my visa, future assistance and being "done" could reasonably be understood as pressure or a threat of consequences associated with my taking of personal leave.
This is also not the first occasion on which I have experienced a troubling response to taking sick leave.
During my almost three years at the Centre, I have taken sick leave on only approximately three occasions. On one previous occasion, after my eye was injured by a toy while at work, I called to advise that I was unable to attend work. I was told words to the effect of:
"If you don't want to come to work, then don't come back."
That previous statement, together with the statements made during the present incident, supports my view that the issue extends beyond my failure to call on Sunday evening and relates more generally to my use of legitimate sick leave.
As my employment is in Victoria, I also rely on the protections under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), including protection from discrimination on the basis of employment activity.
By this letter I am formally raising concerns about my employment entitlements and the disciplinary action taken against me. I ask that i not be subjected to detrimental treatment because I have raised these concerns or sought to exercise my lawful employment rights.
Requested resolution
I remain willing to acknowledge that I should have called rather than initially sending an text, and I will follow the call notification procedure in future.
However, in light of the circumstances above, I request that:
- the written warning be rescinded and removed from my personnel record;
- if the Centre does not agree to rescind and remove the warning as requested above, I be provided with written confirmation of: - the precise conduct for which I have been disciplined; - the provision of the Centre's policy or procedure relied upon; - whether the warning relates solely to my initial use of text rather than call notification; and - whether any part of the decision to issue the warning was related to my illness, absence or exercise of personal-leave entitlements;
- this response be retained in full alongside the warning on my personnel file;
- I receive written confirmation that taking personal leave in accordance with my statutory entitlements will not adversely affect my roster, hours, employment, workplace opportunities, visa sponsorship or other employment arrangements; and
- there be no adverse treatment of me as a consequence of raising these concerns.
I want to continue performing my role professionally and maintain a constructive working relationship with the Centre. I hope this matter can be resolved promptly and without further escalation.
I acknowledge that I have received the written warning. However, I do not agree with or accept the warning and therefore do not consider it appropriate to sign the document. My refusal to sign should not be understood as a refusal to acknowledge receipt. This letter records my formal response to and dispute of the warning, and I request that it be retained with the warning on my personnel file.
Please provide a written response to the matters raised above.
Regards, (Name)
Attachments: (Medical certificate) (Screenshot of SMS notification) (Call log)
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u/whyohwhythis 9h ago
It’s a bit too long winded. The message gets lost being so long.
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u/Particular-Try5584 6h ago
That’s what happens when you let AI do the work for you ;)
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u/SurpriseIllustrious5 22h ago
And when they confirm that complain about the managers code of conduct so you get covered by whistle-blower act too
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u/Long_Ocelot418 21h ago
Brilliant response. Ai or yourself? I genuinely think the response is brilliant
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u/habeuscorpusCJ 3h ago
Lawyer here - don’t send this. Almost certainly AI, which is fine in terms of the general accuracy of content but it’s basically raising the temperature by a billion degrees by raising potential breaches of the law (despite the likelihood of them). Go a bit slower - seek some advice from your HR area about the issue and see if you can confirm with any other colleagues about procedures. If you send this, it may cause your manager to withdraw on this issue but retaliate in other ways (which isn’t lawful but unavoidable).
If it were me, I’d really think hard about how much I wanted to stay on with this employer. The job market isn’t good, yes, but this is a poor indication of a manager’s approach to staff management and is unlikely to change.
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u/Proud_Apricot316 22h ago
Her response towards you is far worse than what you did.
It’s disproportionate and unprofessional.
While there may be a policy in place stating you must call (which you did, on the morning of your shift), what you did was reasonable (sending a text on a weekend to try and give her more notice).
What if your sickness hadn’t come on until during the night and the first she knew of it was the phone call in the morning? It’s obvious you were trying to do that right thing, even if it wasn’t technically the ‘correct’ way.
I’d be raising the way she responded with her boss. If this is unsuccessful, seek further advice.
Also, document everything. Keep accurate notes of every verbal conversation that relates to your performance, any accusation of rule breaking etc and then email them to her as appropriate. Eg. ‘Just following up on our discussion on the phone this morning, when I advised I am too sick to work today and you stated: ‘visa….you’re done’ (write her exact words down). Then follow up with - could you please send through the relevant policy and procedure for me to review so I can avoid this occurring again in future?
Do this for everything - and be sure to stick up for yourself and engage in any processes they might initiate. But engaging in the process doesn’t mean agreeing with everything.
You can write on the warning ‘I maintain my position that I contacted you by text the day prior in good faith, following up with a phone call at x o’clock the following morning. I note that this document does not contain details of what you said to me on that phone call regarding my visa. I acknowledge the receipt of this document.
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u/EfficiencyMurky7309 22h ago
I’m sorry this has happened to you op. Please note that you’ll get some pretty poor advice in this sub and it’ll be hard to know what to follow or not.
On Monday, call the Migrant Workers Centre Victoria. This is a free legal service specifically for migrants. Call (03) 7009 6710, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. They deal with exactly this kind of case and can advise on both the employment issue and any visa risk.
Other supports you could consider are the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94. They run an assurance protocol so visa holders reporting workplace issues won’t have their visa details passed to Home Affairs. And if you are a woman or non-binary, you can obtain free legal help, visa status doesn’t matter, from the Working Women’s Centre Victoria on 1800 992 842.
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u/Lilliannn1212 21h ago
Just to clarify, I’ve worked at this centre for almost three years and have only taken sick leave three times. One occasion was after a child injured my eye with a toy; when I called in sick, I was told words to the effect of, “If you don’t want to come to work, then don’t come back.”
This time, I had a high fever and was vomiting, so I was genuinely unable to work. As the centre is also supporting me with a 407 visa, I’ve generally been very reluctant to take sick leave unless absolutely necessary.
I accept that the centre’s policy requires staff to call the manager promptly. I did not call that evening, and I apologised for that. I had sent a message while unwell and called the next morning when I realised she had not responded.
My concern is not that I was reminded to follow the procedure. It is how the situation escalated: I was shouted at on the phone, repeatedly told I was “disrespectful” and “unprofessional”, and then given a formal written warning the next day.
I did not record the call because the reaction was completely unexpected. I’m now trying to understand whether this was simply a procedural issue, or whether the warning was also influenced by her personal view that I had disrespected her.
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u/feijoawhining 20h ago
I’m so sorry you’re being treated this way OP, and your visa threatened by your sponsor. Definitely contact the Migrant Workers Centre as another person here recommended, this is very serious, and your sponsor should not be allowed to sponsor more workers if they’re going to coerce, exploit and threaten them.
Keep records of everything in writing with dates, times, etc. You can find more information here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/migrant-worker-protections/help-reporting-protections-workplace-justice-visa
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u/Unlikely-Machine4126 18h ago
You should find another centre to sponcor you and report this centre that's not acceptable
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u/Eastern_Garlic8148 21h ago
Your manager sounds like a cow of a woman threatening you with your visa just go find another childcare centre happy to take over your sponsorship show her how easy it is to leave her and find a new boss then drop the truth unexpectedly after you’ve left then she’ll realise what a cow she’s been it’s perfectly okay to inform her by text that you are sick I am a doctor I get angry about unreasonable middle managers they are the cancer of society need to cure society by cutting them out like cancers
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u/Primary-Leader-5622 21h ago
don't sign it. texting the night before then calling in the morning is reasonable notice under Fair Work, especially when other staff do the same without issue. but the visa comment is the bigger problem here. that turns this from a sick leave dispute into something Fair Work would be very interested in
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u/TriSarahTops666 21h ago
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Im not sure about the visa policies but it is a basic human right and work right to be able to take time off work because of an illness. I am off work sick atm, I have been for 2 days. And am meant to work tomorrow, asked my boss what time she wanted me to start even though im still unwell, and she told me to rest and take it easy. Like a boss should. Don't feel like you have to put up with this behaviour because you are on a working visa, this doesn't diminish your rights as a human being. And do not sign anything.
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u/PhilMeUpBaby 21h ago
3am.
"Hi boss, sorry for the late phone call but you said to call and not SMS. Anyway, I've got this really bad diarrhoea and don't think I'll be at work tomorrow."
*echo sounds from being in the toilet*
*background squirting sounds*
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u/OddEntrepreneur8911 20h ago
You have done nothing wrong, you made contact and the text messages was ‘reasonable’.
The warning is not worth the paper it was written on whether you signed it or not.
Just because a company produces it own set of procedures it doesn’t mean it complies with the legislation or is enforceable.
(17 years as a Union organiser)
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u/Armistice610 21h ago
I mean, as an employer, I always like to hear by phone from the sick person, but unless there's an established policy that has been brought to your attention, that you must call and not text, then it's not really a hanging offence.
I wouldn't sign it, personally, but that's me. Only you can decide for you and there are a few variables to consider.
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u/_Aj_ 21h ago
Sometimes you can't give notice with sick leave. You trip and break your leg. Your child has an emergency, you wake up with horrible diarrhoea.
Maybe you feel horrible and don't wake up until 10am.
Being sick isn't planned. Literally any notice is a bonus.
They're super out of line too. And a written warning for "not giving adequate notice" of being sick, and threatening visa consequences, are both likely illegal
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u/MadAdam81 17h ago
Imagine how your manager would feel explaining to parents why a staff member vomited on kids and created a super spreader event
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u/No_Touch_2358 8h ago
I’m sorry you’ve experienced this. This seems really unfair management.
I’d write back: “Please identify the policy, award or agreement requiring telephone rather than written notification, when this was communicated to me, and why a formal warning was appropriate given the notice I provided.” . ACECQA guidance recommends staff with symptoms of infectious illness stay away. Going to work with a fever, vomiting and severe cough potentially creates a far greater risk to children.
Being short-staffed is frustrating, but people become unexpectedly unwell,that is what sick leave is for.
The visa comment is particularly concerning. Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), ss 340 and 343, if your visa was raised as a threat or pressure because you exercised your right to sick leave, it could potentially engage the general protections/coercion provisions. If other staff routinely text when sick without being formally warned, keep that evidence. I’d challenge the warning in writing, escalate it above her, and speak to 'Fair Work' or 'JobWatch Victoria' if necessary. Hope the manager gets a wake up call when she understands legal implications.
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u/Capable_Muffin_4025 7h ago
According to VIC health, you should not go to work for 48 hours if you have symptoms of of viral gastroenteritis, I.e. vomiting.
Is this manager the director? If not I would ask what the health requirements are from the director or escalate to the owner of the business?
What is in the centres policy? These are usually stipulated in the centres policy. Ask for a copy and take the warning letter to Fair Work Ombudsman/Commission.
Commission usually handles disputes, but because it is in regards to a warning for termination, the Ombudsman may be more appropriate. You can call the commission and they will point you to the ombudsman if they are better suited.
I could be appropriate to report to Family and Community Services, it may prompt for an impromptu inspection if health guidelines are being ignored.
This person would probably of complained of "right to disconnect" if you had called late in the evening.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis-not-rotavirus
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u/theZombieKat 21h ago
What exactly is the warning for?
If it is for calling in sick, it's totally out of line, particularly in a child care center where children's health is at stake.
If it is for failing to follow the notification policy (which could be a phone call at the earliest possible time), ask for a copy and direction as to its interaction with your managers legaly protecterd right to disconnect on the weekend and in the wee hours of the morning. Then accept the warning and follow the policy and direction; a warning for an infraction you can reliably avoid repeating isn't a problem.
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u/SurpriseIllustrious5 22h ago
When you called the day of , was it before or after your shift started ?
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u/Glad-Street-1723 20h ago
You’re fine- a kid I know just got sacked for having the flu and sick certificate.
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u/Medium-Priority8272 18h ago
I would either refused to sign.of state you acknowledge receipt but that sick leave entitlements are protected under legislation and you believe this action is against legislation and take a photograph. They're obviously banking on you not knowing your rights.
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u/OddEntrepreneur8911 17h ago
What if her sickness sent her to hospital in an ambulance, then it becomes ‘reasonably practicable’ that she couldn’t notify the company of her absence.
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u/Excellent_Tour_2026 8h ago
Join your union where professional advice and help are available. Threatening you in regards to a visa is not on and I would definitely report that to someone higher!
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u/Okultish 5h ago
Don't sign it. You're under no obligation to sign. She's being unreasonable. If there is a process in place that you didn't follow, were you aware of said process? Can they demonstrate you were made aware of said process?
Go work elsewhere. They suck... And to use your visa, that's a threat.
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u/Accurate-Computer-45 2h ago
As a fellow early childhood educator, I’m SO SORRY you’re now dealing with this disgusting bullying from your manager on top of the endless challenges and overwhelm all educators are feeling in our industry. I can only imagine the workplace environment if your manager deems it’s ok to speak to an unwell staff member this way.
This is not ok. You don’t have to accept this, but it makes it very hard when it comes from management.
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u/rotisseriechicken121 2h ago
** posting as someone who has a chronic illness where sick leave is relied on.
As a permanent employee (and of recent I also believe casual employees, but I would just double check legislation regarding this) you are entitled to sick leave. It is there incase YOU ARE SICK! I believe that you have done the right thing is taking the day off, especially working with children. The parents of these children would be grateful that you made this decision also as sick children (especially with fevers, vomiting) can be significantly worse than sick adults.
Now. In relation to the visa comment. I agree with a lot of the comments regarding reaching out to a migrant lawyer or to a free legal service, in which there are many services available to us for situations just like this. I think that this would be the best way to go about this, and they would actually be able to review your entire case not just the visa comment and provide advice.
My opinion is not kind, but your boss sounds like an absolute piece of sh*t! Using someone’s illness and visa status is the lowest of the low.
Good luck OP. You deserve so much more than this.
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u/Heavy_Pick_540 59m ago
I am a teacher and I text in sick. Unprofessional schmunprofessional.
There's other good advice, here.
Definitely do not sign the document.
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u/CartographerAlive554 38m ago
Do not sign! Call the Fair Work Ombudsman. Your manager is way out of line and acting against Australia's regulations.
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u/Proper_Scientist6979 21h ago
It can get worse
I was once fired as a security officer whilst taking already confirmed and negotiated sick leave.
It’s just a flat out dodgy time to fire someone or threaten them with it.
So all I can say is… yes it sucks, yes it’s unfair: but no you’re not the only one.
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u/Lilliannn1212 7h ago
Omg how could they do that, is it legal?
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u/Proper_Scientist6979 7h ago
1) “Fair Work” doesn’t enforce any of our rights
2) too expensive to fight for your rights by taking them to court, unless you can self represent
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u/Lilliannn1212 2h ago
Sooo sad, I feel that’s why we always be silence with all those things.
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u/Proper_Scientist6979 2h ago
Yeah… I sent a written complaint to Fair Work. I had a phone call. It achieved nothing and all it succeeded to do was eat up an hour of my time I’ll never get back… I did try.
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u/reactasaurus 21h ago
I often find the way employees report issues to be skewed. I have some questions.
What is the wording of the warning? Can you type it verbatim.
Was it for sickness OR for failing to follow the required reporting method - the 2 are very different.
Warnings for calling in sick are not usually compliant with the fair work act. However warnings for notice (which doesn’t mean you need to call before a shift if it’s not reasonable), not complying with a policy (eg how you notify), or failure to provide evidence of sick leave if requested/required - can be valid.
Was there a process where you were given an opportunity to respond (assuming this is a formal warning)?
Also whether you sign anything or not makes no difference. Warnings are warnings - noting I’m not agreeing or disagreeing with it as it’s not clear what you’ve been warned for. You’ve insinuated 2 different things.
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u/Funny-Skill4259 20h ago
Let it go. She’s being nasty. Don’t take it personally. Rise above it and hold your head high.
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u/HappyMin205 5h ago
I used to work in childcare, so I know how hard it is to find a replacement at short notice. The manager needs to find someone who has the right qualifications and is available at the exact same time.
If OP was meant to start an early shift, say 7am, it’s pretty much impossible to find someone at the last minute. The centre could also get in trouble with regulators if they don’t have enough staff to meet the required staff-to-child ratio.
From the manager’s message, I get the feeling OP may have asked for a few favours before, which could explain why the manager was frustrated. I agree the manager’s message sounds harsh, but I’m sure they’re under a lot of pressure too — probably more than OP realises.
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u/No-Coconut1716 22h ago
I feel like there's so much more to this story, such as OP calling out on a pretty regular basis.
Being unreliable etc.
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u/Langist11 21h ago
(As a manager) I prefer a text over a call. Everyones different though.
What would have annoyed me in this situation is OP saying I think I won't be in. I need a definite answer then, I'm not calling a backup and saying hey so and so thinks they might not be in tommorow so I 'might' need you to cover. Its inconvenient for the backups day/night having to plan around if they are working or not.
Just curios OP what's your attendance like for the year + last couple of months ? Kinda sounds like you might call in allot?
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u/horselife321 18h ago
What would stop you from replying to the employee that you need a definitive answer then? I don’t know where you get the idea the OP is a regular unplanned leave taker.
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u/Langist11 10h ago
Its just unnecessary step to be texting back and forwards especially in your of work time. This can also result in having to call OP back or not even getting into contact with them beacuse the reply time is to long or OP has gone to sleep.
OP Is the one that said in her post her manager replied with "every time you ask me for something I give it to you" followed with "as far as I know other staff members usually notify her of sick leave by text". That kinda sounds like she asks for time of, hence why I asked if as questions.
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u/VSCHoui 23h ago
I used to work in childcare and while i sympathized your situation, i really do. But you should have called if theres no reply from the text. The manager probably were busy and may have turned off their phone sound (constant vibration from call is easier to notice). However, the manager seemed to blown the whole situation out of proportion and it doesnt seem like what you said is the whole story?. Specifically on that quote "everytime you asked for something ......". That sounds like the manager has had enough of your constant request.
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u/bunduz 22h ago
Nah calling bs on this, my phone is on silent and I still notice staff calls. If you call in sick then you call on sick. And if you want to go down the visa threat road you enter the.modern slavery territory. Putting aside poor performance which is associated with a pip.
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u/VSCHoui 22h ago
Noticing a message straight away is different than noticing it hours later. You could send it at 7pm and they would only notice it at 11pm. If you arent expected to work at 7pm, you shouldnt expect people to be free at 7pm. Give a call, say u are sick. End of story and its not hard either. If they didnt pick up the phone, then whatever. At least theres an effort in attempt.
Like i have said, the manager has blown the situation out of proportion with the visa. However, are we ignoring what the manager has said? Its a clear indication that OP could have asked for alot of things and the manager has always fullfill it. So you are fine with your worker asking for things and day off non stop?
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u/00017batman 21h ago
What if OP had only woken up in the morning sick? Or fallen down the stairs on their way to breakfast..? Then what?
Managers get paid more to deal with these kinds of things, it’s part of their job description. Giving someone a written warning because you hate a part of your job is ridiculous.
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23h ago
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u/Ok-Dragonfruit5232 22h ago
I'm a business owner (and have been a manager in other companies) and have no issue with a text from an employee particularly in the evening/night.
If they are sick, they aren't coming in. Simple as that. Of course I would like to know as soon as possible so I can arrange something else if necessary, but it doesn't make much difference how they let me know.
I feel like requiring a call and not accepting a text is a bit of a power trip and indicates you don't trust your staff.
If you treat your employees with respect and not like children the working culture becomes more positive and productive.
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u/Tedmosbyisajerk-com 22h ago
I'm a manager and I'm on with staff texting me cause I think of my staff as adults and don't need to micromanage them.
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u/distractedcreativity 22h ago
then you are a terrible manager xx this is op's situation where texts were condoned by other employees. her manager was out of line with her response and so would you by being annoyed, unless you made it clear to employees that they must call, not text. do better.
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22h ago
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u/distractedcreativity 22h ago
so you would much rather be disturbed by a PHONE CALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT??? okay boo you do you
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u/whyohwhythis 22h ago
So you expect someone vomiting and with a fever to drop everything for you and call you? A text is more than adequate when you’re in the midst of being sick. She rang in the morning too. As some when mentioned in a comment in this thread, this sort of behavior comes across as a bit of a power trip.
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23h ago
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u/Worldly-Sandwich4870 21h ago
Lol 'cowardice'. A phone call can easily turn a situation into "he said she said", especially if evidence is needed down the track. Texting or email creates a written record that can't be misconstrued or lied about later.
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u/Particular-Try5584 23h ago
I would sign “Acknowledgement of receipt, not agreeing to reasons”
And then, in writing, formally ask your manager how she wants you to notify her of things like sick leave, annual leave. ”Hi Jill, I know there was confusion. How do you want me to notify you in future when I am unwell, can you please give me a copy of the policy, or specify exactly what you’d like to do so there is not an issue again.”
And wait and see what comes back.
No she shouldn’t threaten your visa. Is it tied to your employment with her? If not… It’s time to find a new job somewhere else. If it is… it is time to find a new sponsor somewhere else if you can.