Can My Employer Force Me To Come Into Work On My Scheduled Day Off?

[str]

My employer (a large DIY chain) has told us that there is to be a 2 hour meeting to discuss our Spring Launch, on Sunday night after closing. Management expects that everyone will attend, unless they have a very good "excuse", and if they do not attend they will be deemed as not being interested in working there anymore. They want to hear reasons for not attending, and they are apparently also asking for proof of any prior engagements, which I find outrageous.
I am not going to attend, but what can I do to prepare myself for the onslaught the next day? This is classic bullying and I refuse to do it, but there will be consequences for me, and the few others like me who are willing to stand up to them.

Please help

[factor-fiction]

I suggest you let them know that you don't work that day and may have other commitments but wondered whether you would be paid.
But maybe if you want to feel part of the organisation you might want to find a way to attend anyway. I used to work 3 days a week but was expected to attend an annual briefing training session that was on my day off. I could have argued about attending but felt it was worthwhile attending. Maybe your contract says you need to attend these

[Maydup]

Just go eh?

[tamborine]

Ask if its ok to bring in 4 kids your OH has left in your care while she delivers the new babe

[overthetop]

Suppose it depends on how much you want to keep your job.

[murraymints]

I'd ask for time off in lieu...

[bednobs]

i probably would be inclined not to go and tell them i was sick - they can't make you take it as sick leave

[str]

My contract says nothing about attending these meetings, I just dont like the bullying tactics used. We are all already working three saturdays out of four, and every second Sunday, so my Sunday that I actually do get off is very precious - and needed. I also have a 52 mile round trip to attend this two hour meeting, no kust a trip round the corner
Maydup, your answer is not very helpful, this is a real issue for us.

[tamborine]

Maybe a union can sort this ?

[Maydup]

Sorry str, i didn't realise you were working so many weekends. I thought it was a one off once a year type thing. Under the circumstances, ask for a meeting with your line manager. Stay as calm as you can but be firm when you tell him/her that you are not able to attend.

Suggest they hold the launch again to catch those off shift that day. But whatever happens they cannot sack you a.ll the time you remain polite and reasonable. If necessary, say that you have to take turns to look after a family member and it will be you turn on that sunday. Good luck

[str]

Maydup, thanks, that's a good idea about catching up with a second meeting, it's certainly something I could suggest.
And Tambourine, I am a member of a union, that's also a good backup.

Thanks everyone

[THECORBYLOON]

It may be that the terms and conditions of employment include working extra hours or on different days if there is a business need. It is not unknown for part-timers to undergo training that requires them to attend for extra hours or days and that would fall under business needs. Obviously, there may be personal circumstances preventing someone from attending but that would need to be discussed between employer and employee. If there is not a valid reason, it could be classed as refusal to follow a reasonable management request and action could be taken against the employee.p

[THECORBYLOON]

Sorry, "request" should have been "instruction."

[weecalf]

Are you part of the management .Are they not paid to do this .I d go and disagree with every thing said and when it closes tell them they did not take your advice on that dark and dreary Sunday night

[factor-fiction]

weecalf- I think it's called communication and should be welcomed.

[factor-fiction]

If you work a lot of Sundays anyway I suggest you simply ask if you can do that Sunday in lieu of another.
But I would see the union- they will have a view on this and it must affect others.
But are you not interested in hearing the company's plans and how they will affect your role?