Confrontation without causing upset

[lizwizz]

I have worked 7 weekends of the last 8, the one I had off was annual leave. I'm counting working a Friday night, as this means I can't easily go away for a weekend. I want to complain about this, but i also recognise than planning the shifts is not an easy job and the person who does it has a high workload. I want to phrase it in such a way that she won't take offence, but I can' think of how to word it. Can anyone help me out please? Thanks

[lizwizz]

By counting Friday night I mean working a night shift on Friday, I'm counting that as working part of a weekend as I don't finish until Saturday morning, and I'd be too tired to make the most of a weekend away. I'm a nurse I work 23 hours a week, we're unofficially supposed to work one weekend in 4. When I say complaint, I don't want to complain officially, just to talk to to person who sorts out the shifts, without causing her offence.

[tomestone]

ask about the work life balance,there is legislation for you to acheive a work and life balance.

[scot54]

Hi Liz

I also work in the emergency services and understand the problems of weekends off and nightshifts. I frequently have to challenge those who organise or disorganise the shift working pattern.I think to say the least you have a case for a grievance.8 weekends on the trot is not very fair and the person responsible or higher authority need to be made as as soon as possible.

How many other employees have had to work 8 weekends with one one off as annual leave?

Scot

[lizwizz]

Thanks to all of you, but what I really wanted to know was how to phrase the fact that I'm unhappy with the shift allocation without getting anyone's back up.

[scot54]

Hi

You could take a different angle if you think that you might not get the answer you want. Simply ask what weekends am I going to be allocated off as you have things to plan in the next 4 weekend's. Surely there must be other persons that cover the time off you require.

I have found with shift work over the last many years that it is the same people with the same excuses that expect others to cover for them and its time that you had a share of the cake also and had time off.

Hope this helps.

Scot

[WendyS]

How about "Im not trying to create waves as I know you're really pressurised which may be why you haven't realised that I've had to work 7 week-ends out of the last 8? I know it's difficult for you to plan shifts but I've done so many consecutive week-end shifts now that it's causing real difficulties organising my personal life. I wonder if you could do something to reorganise the rotas in a fairer way? I enjoy my job and I don't want to have to change it, but the way the rotas are running at the moment is causing me difficulties."

Your boss may possibly already have realised you're being unfairly treated but because you haven't mentioned it is probably hoping he'/she might be able to get away with it. Good luck. Hope you can get things changed.