My DH's A-hole boss is threatening to take our vacation away!!

[TAC]

If HR won't do anything, even with any documention that your husband has, then report the boss to the ethics office of the company. Most companies now have ethics offices that are independant of the HR department. Generally, the ethics department only deals with situations of dishonesty (stealing, etc), but I'm sure if your husband explained the situation, and added that the HR department doesen't want to get involved, they might investigate. If they are a good ethics department, no names are used.

 

[njblackberry]

How is screwing up a vacation a violation of corporate ethics? Please.
And HR to step in because a boss told someone to move a vacation? You're kidding, right? I think some people have spent a little too much time in Fantasyland.

While the boss may be a jerk - for this reason and others - let's not get too carried away. I think many, many people have had to reschedule or even cancel vacations. It's unfortunate, but we all have to eat. And to eat, you have to work.

Flame on. Remember - everyone, even someone you disagree with, is entitled to his or her opinion.

 

[HennieBogan1966]

I would have to agree with blackberry. While this move may be in bad taste, there is no violation of any rules by the company. Any and all company rules are subject to change, without notice. I've got vacation approved also. That doesn't mean things won't change leading up to it.

Understand, I'm not agreeing with what this supervisor is doing, merely stating that the company is under no obligation to you. That's part of the problem here is that we ALL tend to believe that the company we work for is under an obligation to "take care" of us, or to "worry" about our welfare. THEY ARE NOT. I hope that things work out for you, and your vacation stays in tact as planned.

I just think that it's easy to get carried away with a subject like this.

Good Luck, Take Care, and have a GREAT vacation.

 

[barnum42]

How is screwing up a vacation a violation of corporate ethics? Please.
And HR to step in because a boss told someone to move a vacation? You're kidding, right? I think some people have spent a little too much time in Fantasyland.

While the boss may be a jerk - for this reason and others - let's not get too carried away. I think many, many people have had to reschedule or even cancel vacations. It's unfortunate, but we all have to eat. And to eat, you have to work.

Flame on. Remember - everyone, even someone you disagree with, is entitled to his or her opinion.

If you go back on your word or an agreement, especially for the selfish reasons this particular boss has, it is plain dishonesty and not in any way ethical.

 

[Trishnh]

How is screwing up a vacation a violation of corporate ethics? Please.
And HR to step in because a boss told someone to move a vacation? You're kidding, right? I think some people have spent a little too much time in Fantasyland.

While the boss may be a jerk - for this reason and others - let's not get too carried away. I think many, many people have had to reschedule or even cancel vacations. It's unfortunate, but we all have to eat. And to eat, you have to work.

Flame on. Remember - everyone, even someone you disagree with, is entitled to his or her opinion.

I understand a company can tell you you need to cancel a vacation for BUSINESS NEEDS, and it may suck but, OK I will deal with it. This is completely different because his boss is just trying to pull rank. His vacation VS ours is not a business need, and I think it does take ethics into consideration.

As of now, My hubbys boss told him he can still have the time--but I know it is not without strings attached. His boss is going to hold it over his head and act like he did a big favor for him. But, now hubby is completely stressed out over the vacation and that is the whole reason of HAVING a vacation -- to get away from all the crap!! :fork: 3 weeks can't come fast enough--send NEW JOB vibes our way!!!

 

[TAC]

How is screwing up a vacation a violation of corporate ethics? Please.
And HR to step in because a boss told someone to move a vacation? You're kidding, right? I think some people have spent a little too much time in Fantasyland.

I only mentioned the ethics department because if a person has verified documentation of an previously approved vacation, and HR doesn't want to get involved, then maybe the manager needs retraining on what company policies are, and that most ethics departments are independant third parties. IF the policy states that 'vacations can be cancelled at any time,' then the person is probably out of luck. If however, 'business reasons' is added to that clause, then because a manager wants to take a vacation on a peticular week does NOT constitute a 'business reason.'

On the other hand, if a person were to :cough: call in sick :cough: and get a doctor's note, there is NOTHING that the company, boss, or HR could do about it.

 

[AndreainNY]

I am a Human Resources Manager (and have for the last 16 years - yikes!). Yes, vacations can be cancelled for "business needs", but if you had already received approval (which it sounds like you did), made your reservations (again, sounds like you did) and put money out (once more, sounds like you did), then if the company is repealing any of that vacation for "business reasons", they need to reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses associated with any travel plans. That is the only way that they could use the "business reasons" defense without being vulnerable to any illegal employment practices charge. With that in mind, you need to go back to your husband's a-hole boss, present him with an estimated bill of what you will need to be reimbursed for changing your vacation along with a check request (or whatever his company uses to get reimbursed a total cost (you don't want it going through payroll, you will get taxed and have to show it as income)) for that full amount. He then needs to have his a-hole boss sign it and your husband needs to deliver it to accounting himself so he can hear when he can expect payment. This entire action is premised on the idea that you would be accepting of changing your vacation. Or, make one more attempt to salvage the time, go back to HR, tell them that you are aware that the "business reason" is the a-hole's own personal vacation and tell them that you are willing to sacrifice your own plans only if you will be reimbursed the full amount you are losing. Then make sure the next time that you request a vacation, you give a copy of the signed approval form to HR (so they are aware if the a-hole tries to screw you out of your vacation again). Bottom line, your HR department should have talked to the a-hole to determine what the "business reasons" were, that way they could have seen that it was for his vacation and not any true business purpose.

Sorry to ramble, but it ticks me off when HR is in a position to help someone and they don't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Kwit35]

Gee, I bet there are lots of jobs in Florida. It might behoove you to get a hold of the Sunday paper while there.

 

[Chase24]

If HR won't do anything, even with any documention that your husband has, then report the boss to the ethics office of the company. Most companies now have ethics offices that are independant of the HR department. Generally, the ethics department only deals with situations of dishonesty (stealing, etc), but I'm sure if your husband explained the situation, and added that the HR department doesen't want to get involved, they might investigate. If they are a good ethics department, no names are used.

He'll know even if no names are used, conisdered the specifics of the situation. Then he will make it worse. Find a new job:goodnevil . Hopefully you are an important cog in the works and when you leave you cause a big void and then the boss will have to answer.

Rant" last year we took our son on his 1st trip to WDW and my boss instisted that I be on call the whole trip (My Earned Vacation Time), basically I had to carry my work phone with me the entire trip incase they (he) needed something. I almost was able to extend my vacation to look for work before I left, but I held my tongue long enough to get out of his office with my job:zipit: . This ended up only being a minor issue and got a few calls, but it was still the thought of my vacation time ending up being work time and not my time.

 

[CRO-Magnum]

Well I, for one, am glad that your vacation plans are still on track. I think the boss deserves an ounce of credit for reconsidering his position. As a former manager I can tell you it is not easy to reverse a decision because you are always balancing the current value against the setting of a precedent. If he holds it over your husband's head then he disintegrates instantly the goodwill of changing his stance. I recommend pre-empting the boss by walking up to him in the next few days and stating "I want you to know I appreciate how difficult a decision it was for you, but I trusted that you would do the right thing and its reassuring to know my trust was not misplaced." Regardless of his response, my final statement would be "I appreciate your help on this" and then drop the topic or leave the room.

 

[VisualSee]

I am a Human Resources Manager (and have for the last 16 years - yikes!). Yes, vacations can be cancelled for "business needs", but if you had already received approval (which it sounds like you did), made your reservations (again, sounds like you did) and put money out (once more, sounds like you did), then if the company is repealing any of that vacation for "business reasons", they need to reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses associated with any travel plans. That is the only way that they could use the "business reasons" defense without being vulnerable to any illegal employment practices charge. With that in mind, you need to go back to your husband's a-hole boss, present him with an estimated bill of what you will need to be reimbursed for changing your vacation along with a check request (or whatever his company uses to get reimbursed a total cost (you don't want it going through payroll, you will get taxed and have to show it as income)) for that full amount. He then needs to have his a-hole boss sign it and your husband needs to deliver it to accounting himself so he can hear when he can expect payment. This entire action is premised on the idea that you would be accepting of changing your vacation. Or, make one more attempt to salvage the time, go back to HR, tell them that you are aware that the "business reason" is the a-hole's own personal vacation and tell them that you are willing to sacrifice your own plans only if you will be reimbursed the full amount you are losing. Then make sure the next time that you request a vacation, you give a copy of the signed approval form to HR (so they are aware if the a-hole tries to screw you out of your vacation again). Bottom line, your HR department should have talked to the a-hole to determine what the "business reasons" were, that way they could have seen that it was for his vacation and not any true business purpose.

Sorry to ramble, but it ticks me off when HR is in a position to help someone and they don't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to defend the boss, but if the person requesting the vacation covers for the boss when he is out... there is the "business reason". Plain and simple. If the boss is out of the office, that could be classified as a "business reason" for another person having to alter or cancel a vacation. Most reputable companies will compensate for these types of adjustments.

I know the boss is a twit, but any sane adult should be able to talk with their boss and work out a deal no matter how big a twit they are. All I've read so far are things the boss has supposedly said (which, if they truly were said, are a whole different issue that should have been dealt with long ago), however I haven't read anything about how the situation is being rectified. This is just one big rant and whine session. Get a grip, talk to the boss, and work it out. Bosses don't typically do this kind of stuff to people just because they are on a power trip, they usually do it because it is brought on by some other incident or something someone else did.

It sounds like both you and your boss planned last minute trips. I'd hardly call reserving time in February for a vacation a month or two later "well in advance". Some people could consider this "last minute".

Sorry to sound insensitive, but get a grip and fix the problem OR find another job.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Gee how awful - I do hope that you can get something sorted out. What about DH phoning in a sickie (you could still go away and the boss would have to cancel his holidays)

 

[BeachClubVillas]

Not to defend the boss, but if the person requesting the vacation covers for the boss when he is out... there is the "business reason". Plain and simple. If the boss is out of the office, that could be classified as a "business reason" for another person having to alter or cancel a vacation.

.

Yeah, but I think the whole point of this problem is that trishnh's husband put in (and got approved!) for the vacation before the boss even thought of taking the vacation. At the very least, the boss is taking advantage of his position. It sounds like he's really impossible to work with. I'm sorry your husband has to put up with that every day.

 

[VisualSee]

Welcome to corporate America, it happens a lot more than people realize.

 

[barnum42]

Welcome to corporate America, it happens a lot more than people realize.

What really bugs me is when the same corporate monster claims to be a Christian organisation (at least the one I worked for did). But they conveniently forget the bits about "love thy neighbour" and "do unto others".

 

[wcduke]

Bosses don't typically do this kind of stuff to people just because they are on a power trip, they usually do it because it is brought on by some other incident or something someone else did.

This thread struck me because I used to be in the same type of situation (before I changed jobs----thank GOD!!). And I don't think the above statement could be more untrue. My old boss used to do those type of things JUST to exercise her power. To show you that she was "in control" of you in the workplace. I could see her doing this same exact thing and getting me all upset. And then later on retracting, as this boss did. But she would retract only because she knew she was in the wrong, and if I pursued this issue w/ higher-ups, the s*** would hit the fan w/ her and she would be in trouble for doing such a thing. But she would tell you "sucks to be you" and do this type of thing just to exercise her power, and remind you that she has the power to make you squirm. But later retract because she knew she couldn't keep w/ this stance because she would land in trouble because of it. But at LEAST she was able to show she had power, even if only temporarily.

At least this is what I THINK happened in that deranged head of hers, because there was no other logical explanation. And I wasn't the only one shes would do this type of thing to.

But again, thankfully, I left that job when I just had enough of her. And my life couldn't be better because of that decision.

 

[VisualSee]

Thankfully you were strong and left the job. Most people just put up with the crap and don't want to be bothered looking for another job.

 

[netenyahoo]

I would recommend that your husband look for another job as this boss will most likely continue to be a jerk. I am glad you are getting your vacation, but avoid this problem next time by getting a new boss.

 

[Master Yoda]

What really bugs me is when the same corporate monster claims to be a Christian organisation (at least the one I worked for did). But they conveniently forget the bits about "love thy neighbour" and "do unto others".

Unfortunately the label “Christian Organization” is throw around more as a marketing ploy than anything else.

 

[Trishnh]

Not to defend the boss, but if the person requesting the vacation covers for the boss when he is out... there is the "business reason". Plain and simple. If the boss is out of the office, that could be classified as a "business reason" for another person having to alter or cancel a vacation. Most reputable companies will compensate for these types of adjustments.

I know the boss is a twit, but any sane adult should be able to talk with their boss and work out a deal no matter how big a twit they are. All I've read so far are things the boss has supposedly said (which, if they truly were said, are a whole different issue that should have been dealt with long ago), however I haven't read anything about how the situation is being rectified. This is just one big rant and whine session. Get a grip, talk to the boss, and work it out. Bosses don't typically do this kind of stuff to people just because they are on a power trip, they usually do it because it is brought on by some other incident or something someone else did.

It sounds like both you and your boss planned last minute trips. I'd hardly call reserving time in February for a vacation a month or two later "well in advance". Some people could consider this "last minute".

Sorry to sound insensitive, but get a grip and fix the problem OR find another job.

yes, you do sound insensitive and I take offence to the idea that my husband 'did something' to bring on this action! He is a very hard worker and ALWAYS goes above and beyond. In fact, he just had his review and was ranked #1-always excedes expectations and from what I have heard, this company NEVER gives that out. They recently had a layoff so now it is just my hubby, his A-hole boss and one other guy in the department. I understand only one of them can take a vacation at a time--it doesnt mean his boss' vacation comes before ours. And, no, planning 4 months in advance may not be 'well in advance' to you, but it is certainly more planning than 3 weeks. :hammer:

Hubby is in the process of looking for another job, but of course the job market is not great and there are not a lot of opportunitues for what he does. (Florida is looking REAL good to me but hubby is afraid of hurricanes ) His boss did make the statement "my boss is not going to be happy about this" since he has no plans of rescheduling his vacation, and told my hubby he could still have his..so I guess time will tell if we are still able to go. I am 100% planning on taking this trip!

CRO-magnum--I do not think the boss deserves any credit for reversing his decision. It was an a____________ thing to do in the first place, and I think he knows he can't just pull away my hubbys vacation time after it was approved & signed off, but is fully expecting there to be ramifications from his boss. Hubby's boss is good friends with a lot of 'higher ups' and is basically untouchable. :fork: HUbby is a corporate man, so I am sure he will tell him he appreciates it, I would not! I have gone through too much crap in this life ot take crap like this from some egotistical ______.