Discussion
I work abroad, offshore in the oil and gas industry for a large multinational, but with a UK contract as a full staff member. The industry is going through some tough times. In January I applied for and was interviewed for a promotion. This would have been a grade rise and a significant pay rise. I was unsuccessful and took it on the chin. I have, however, still had no feedback on how I performed and why I was unsuccessful. The same position was advertised again internally in May so I applied again. I was called during my leave by one of the offshore managers to tell me that I was not suitable for the role and as such I wouldn't be interviewed for it a second time. I did raise the fact that I was still awaiting any feedback from the first interview, but none was given.
Just 5 months on I was sent an email by a manager at the same level as the other informing me that because someone with that role that I applied for had not been granted a visa renewal by the country that we work in I would have to take on their duties, on top of my own, for no grade rise and no pay rise. I respectfully declined their offer. I have since had a trip to work and three managers independently have approached me and told me I must do this extra work with vague threats such as "more people being sacked next year" and "the rest of your time here will be miserable if you don't do it."
I stated that I was considered so unsuitable for the role 5 months ago I wasn't even interviewed for it and that I was more than willing to take on the extra duties if I was paid accordingly as per the chap that left. That was flatly refused. We're now in a stalemate. I am sticking by position on the matter. I even had to state the fact that I have a UK employment contract and it's probably ill-advised to threaten sackings over the issue. I have a stack of evidence to support all of the above, including emails telling that I "must" do these duties due to the loss of someone at the higher grade. Am I right in thinking that what they're doing is not only unfair, but probably illegal? The company has system of reporting unfair treatment which is an entirely separate HR function. I have yet to submit all of this to them as I am not the kind to make waves, but I feel it's about to get nasty and could end with me out of work at a time when there is very little work out there in the same industry.
Any advice appreciated.
Just 5 months on I was sent an email by a manager at the same level as the other informing me that because someone with that role that I applied for had not been granted a visa renewal by the country that we work in I would have to take on their duties, on top of my own, for no grade rise and no pay rise. I respectfully declined their offer. I have since had a trip to work and three managers independently have approached me and told me I must do this extra work with vague threats such as "more people being sacked next year" and "the rest of your time here will be miserable if you don't do it."
I stated that I was considered so unsuitable for the role 5 months ago I wasn't even interviewed for it and that I was more than willing to take on the extra duties if I was paid accordingly as per the chap that left. That was flatly refused. We're now in a stalemate. I am sticking by position on the matter. I even had to state the fact that I have a UK employment contract and it's probably ill-advised to threaten sackings over the issue. I have a stack of evidence to support all of the above, including emails telling that I "must" do these duties due to the loss of someone at the higher grade. Am I right in thinking that what they're doing is not only unfair, but probably illegal? The company has system of reporting unfair treatment which is an entirely separate HR function. I have yet to submit all of this to them as I am not the kind to make waves, but I feel it's about to get nasty and could end with me out of work at a time when there is very little work out there in the same industry.
Any advice appreciated.
Or, what about negotiating a compromise where you get an "acting whatever-it-is" title and a probationary period to prove that, despite the outcome of the previous interiew, you ARE actually suitable and competent to handle the bigger role and will be confirmed in post with upgrade in salary and title subject to satisfactory performance in X months?
That would not mark you out as awkward or troublesome but should show you are still invested in the business and want to advance your career with the employer.
That would not mark you out as awkward or troublesome but should show you are still invested in the business and want to advance your career with the employer.
GoneAnon said:
Or, what about negotiating a compromise where you get an "acting whatever-it-is" title and a probationary period to prove that, despite the outcome of the previous interiew, you ARE actually suitable and competent to handle the bigger role and will be confirmed in post with upgrade in salary and title subject to satisfactory performance in X months?
That would not mark you out as awkward or troublesome but should show you are still invested in the business and want to advance your career with the employer.
I tried this. In the final "chat" I said if I received an acknowledgement that this situation has been managed badly and something in writing to say that I would be remunerated for the role after a trial period then I would accept. Both were flatly refused. They seem to think that strong-arming me into doing it for free is the right way to go about it.That would not mark you out as awkward or troublesome but should show you are still invested in the business and want to advance your career with the employer.
Welcome to the oil biz 
I've been doing this 30 years now and been though the boom & busts since 1985.
Sometimes, it's an employees market (boom) and sometimes it's an employers market (bust)
We are currently in Bust as you well know..
I've absolutely had my employers over a barrel (see what I did there?) during the boom and been screwed royally during the bust.
Is it unfair what they do when they can? Yes. Is it unfair what I do when I can? Yes.
There's 2 ways of looking at it.
1. Get all arsey & unionised. Take it to HR. Get a name for yourself as a non-team player which is the kiss of death in this industry. Probably be let go when they can find your replacement.
2. Take it on the chin. Do the job they ask and add it to the experience on your C.V. Add to your personal network and make sure they know how you are putting out. Wangle concessions if and when you can. Try to make yourself fairly invaluable. Wait out the bosses who screwed you over, they might not be there for ever.
Red or Blue pill? The choice is yours.
I've been doing this 30 years now and been though the boom & busts since 1985.
Sometimes, it's an employees market (boom) and sometimes it's an employers market (bust)
We are currently in Bust as you well know..
I've absolutely had my employers over a barrel (see what I did there?) during the boom and been screwed royally during the bust.
Is it unfair what they do when they can? Yes. Is it unfair what I do when I can? Yes.
There's 2 ways of looking at it.
1. Get all arsey & unionised. Take it to HR. Get a name for yourself as a non-team player which is the kiss of death in this industry. Probably be let go when they can find your replacement.
2. Take it on the chin. Do the job they ask and add it to the experience on your C.V. Add to your personal network and make sure they know how you are putting out. Wangle concessions if and when you can. Try to make yourself fairly invaluable. Wait out the bosses who screwed you over, they might not be there for ever.
Red or Blue pill? The choice is yours.
chrisxr2 said:
Does no harm ringing hr for a little chat, very shoddy the way you have been treated.
There is often an assumption that HR are looking out for the best interests of the employee though.I'd say the exact opposite, they're there to look out for the best interests of the company whilst remaining within the law or where it makes financial sense.
b
hstewie said:
hstewie said:chrisxr2 said:
Does no harm ringing hr for a little chat, very shoddy the way you have been treated.
There is often an assumption that HR are looking out for the best interests of the employee though.I'd say the exact opposite, they're there to look out for the best interests of the company whilst remaining within the law or where it makes financial sense.
OP what does your contract say about any other duties and all that?
Every contract I've ever had has had a clause in it saying they can ask be to do other duties. I understand your problem with being rejected, then being asked to do the role anyway, but the O&G industry is in trouble at the moment. Put it this way if you were out of work would you jump at the chance to do this new role on your current T&C's?
Personally I'd be looking to keep my job at the moment.
Personally I'd be looking to keep my job at the moment.
Treat it as a good chance for you to show you can do the higher level job - either to your current employer, or a future one.
Unfair it may be, but I expect my team to look favourably on the opportunity to step up when needed (with appropriate support), and would think worse of someone who didn't. Eventually I fight for a higher grade and more money for them.
Sometimes that's the way things work in an environment with challenging budget numbers and a tight control of costs.
I think they have handled it badly though - there's no excuse for not giving feedback to internal candidates.
Unfair it may be, but I expect my team to look favourably on the opportunity to step up when needed (with appropriate support), and would think worse of someone who didn't. Eventually I fight for a higher grade and more money for them.
Sometimes that's the way things work in an environment with challenging budget numbers and a tight control of costs.
I think they have handled it badly though - there's no excuse for not giving feedback to internal candidates.
craigjm said:
Of course. HR is there to protect the business. If you want looking out for as an employee join a union.
OP what does your contract say about any other duties and all that?
Yep HR are their to protect the business from litigation, HR shouldnt protect any one employee over another, they should be siding with whomever has the legal high ground in order to reduce risk.OP what does your contract say about any other duties and all that?
You need to just make it clear to HR that your a team player, you have the best interests of the company at heart and that you are willing to take on the additional work but you would of course need to be compensated. Try to avoid saying to HR you wont do it, make it clear that you will do it.
HD Adam said:
Welcome to the oil biz
I've been doing this 30 years now and been though the boom & busts since 1985.
Sometimes, it's an employees market (boom) and sometimes it's an employers market (bust)
We are currently in Bust as you well know..
I've absolutely had my employers over a barrel (see what I did there?) during the boom and been screwed royally during the bust.
Is it unfair what they do when they can? Yes. Is it unfair what I do when I can? Yes.
There's 2 ways of looking at it.
1. Get all arsey & unionised. Take it to HR. Get a name for yourself as a non-team player which is the kiss of death in this industry. Probably be let go when they can find your replacement.
2. Take it on the chin. Do the job they ask and add it to the experience on your C.V. Add to your personal network and make sure they know how you are putting out. Wangle concessions if and when you can. Try to make yourself fairly invaluable. Wait out the bosses who screwed you over, they might not be there for ever.
Red or Blue pill? The choice is yours.
^This. Was always the way when I worked up there prior to 2000. Make hay when you can, batten down the hatches when you have to. I'd be option 2, whilst looking for other opportunities.I've been doing this 30 years now and been though the boom & busts since 1985.
Sometimes, it's an employees market (boom) and sometimes it's an employers market (bust)
We are currently in Bust as you well know..
I've absolutely had my employers over a barrel (see what I did there?) during the boom and been screwed royally during the bust.
Is it unfair what they do when they can? Yes. Is it unfair what I do when I can? Yes.
There's 2 ways of looking at it.
1. Get all arsey & unionised. Take it to HR. Get a name for yourself as a non-team player which is the kiss of death in this industry. Probably be let go when they can find your replacement.
2. Take it on the chin. Do the job they ask and add it to the experience on your C.V. Add to your personal network and make sure they know how you are putting out. Wangle concessions if and when you can. Try to make yourself fairly invaluable. Wait out the bosses who screwed you over, they might not be there for ever.
Red or Blue pill? The choice is yours.
Thanks guys. Some sage sounding advice in there. They have painted themselves into a corner somewhat with staff by paring right back until there is no contingency available. I provide a service to them that they must have to satisfy their safety case, but also keeping the lights on. Without me (in my current role) they'd now be screwed.
I did apply for a job at the same level within the company in a different region. I was interviewed and successful, but my current region blocked the move as they simply can't let me go. If my current region let me go now and there was no job elsewhere it wouldn't look good when they have blocked a moved just a few months before.
I understand about being a team player and if this was temporary with a view to permanent with the grade/pay rise I'd be more than happy. It's the insistence that they have done nothing wrong and that I *must* carry out these duties or <insert vague threat here> and you will remain at your current grade for the duration of your employment in this region.
I'll have a think over Christmas. I don't want to lose my job and I wouldn't put it past them to cut their nose off to spite their face, but in the same breath I'm furious by their attitude that they think they have me over a barrel.
I did apply for a job at the same level within the company in a different region. I was interviewed and successful, but my current region blocked the move as they simply can't let me go. If my current region let me go now and there was no job elsewhere it wouldn't look good when they have blocked a moved just a few months before.
I understand about being a team player and if this was temporary with a view to permanent with the grade/pay rise I'd be more than happy. It's the insistence that they have done nothing wrong and that I *must* carry out these duties or <insert vague threat here> and you will remain at your current grade for the duration of your employment in this region.
I'll have a think over Christmas. I don't want to lose my job and I wouldn't put it past them to cut their nose off to spite their face, but in the same breath I'm furious by their attitude that they think they have me over a barrel.
Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff