The Woolworths Thread (16 Viewers)

[Craven]

I'm PPT but at our store they've never given a set contract, it's just changed every week like I'm casual (we just have to write up a new contract every week that says '1 week only'). Anyways, I've worked pretty much 30-38 hours for the last year but this week they've only given me 20 hours... when I queried the CSM who did the roster (she is only new at our store so I think it was her first roster) she said that she had given me more hours but was told by the SSM/SSO that she had to cut them because I had had "too many starts" this month (since you're only supposed to have 20 starts in a month or something?)/I've worked too many hours over my contract... okay I find this weird because up until now they haven't given a shit about how many hours "over my contract" I have worked ever since I have been put on PPT (2 years) and I don't seen how I can have worked more than 20 starts in this month since I was just on holidays for 10 days, lol... the only thing I guess is that they are wanting to give me 4 days off this week so they can flog me in the 2 weeks before Christmas? What shits me is that one of the shifts is a 3hr shift... surely she could have given me a full day that day if I'm not working for 4 days this week argh.. need a new/second job

 

[rose2]

Well Wednesday is my first 'official' self serve shift (and a 7 hour one), so no doubt i'll come back after Wednesday hating it lol

Yup thats what i think..
self serve is crazy when its busy..

 

[Treefeet]

cant you only sign 5 contracts a year? The 5th one being you will have to use that one till the end of the year.

 

[killer-cupcakes]

Wooo two weeks off work but kinda wish i was working tonight 4-10:30 need money!

But work yesterday 9-1 went so fast!

one of my closest friends resigned last night gonna miss working with her and one of my fave supervisors transferred to another store, she was the best she was the one who counted my drawer the first time I balanced so we always have had a close bond

 

[seirra]

Hi everyone~ can i apply for a job instore??my local safeway has a sign for service assistants instore but its not advertised on the website.thanks...

 

[jirwin]

Wooo two weeks off work but kinda wish i was working tonight 4-10:30 need money!

But work yesterday 9-1 went so fast!

one of my closest friends resigned last night gonna miss working with her and one of my fave supervisors transferred to another store, she was the best she was the one who counted my drawer the first time I balanced so we always have had a close bond

How'd you manage to take 2 weeks off at Christmas time!

At my store (Coles), no one is allowed to take any time off (unavailable, unpaid, annual leave etc) in December. Basically have to fight for it.

 

[Harry778]

Don't forget Townie!

oh yeah DUH!! How could I be so stupid lol.

 

[lordtopcat]

At my store they don't approve any leave during the month of December either, although I managed to scrape one day off this week so I could relax and have a 3 day weekend before the chaos begins

 

[mak5]

I'm PPT but at our store they've never given a set contract, it's just changed every week like I'm casual (we just have to write up a new contract every week that says '1 week only'). Anyways, I've worked pretty much 30-38 hours for the last year but this week they've only given me 20 hours... when I queried the CSM who did the roster (she is only new at our store so I think it was her first roster) she said that she had given me more hours but was told by the SSM/SSO that she had to cut them because I had had "too many starts" this month (since you're only supposed to have 20 starts in a month or something?)/I've worked too many hours over my contract... okay I find this weird because up until now they haven't given a shit about how many hours "over my contract" I have worked ever since I have been put on PPT (2 years) and I don't seen how I can have worked more than 20 starts in this month since I was just on holidays for 10 days, lol... the only thing I guess is that they are wanting to give me 4 days off this week so they can flog me in the 2 weeks before Christmas? What shits me is that one of the shifts is a 3hr shift... surely she could have given me a full day that day if I'm not working for 4 days this week argh.. need a new/second job

When I was doing rosters in my last dept I was constantly getting chipped for flexxing up PPT staff over 36 hrs. Acorrding to the NSW agreement a PPT must not exceed more than 144hhs in a 4week cycle. Any excess hours SHOULD be paid at over - time. I also believe that if you are constantly being flexxed you are entitled to ask for your average weekly hrs as a new core roster (avg over a 12 mth period) This is how a lot of our staff members became Full time. Having said that, it still happens a lot in my store.
It's wothwhile checking out your agreement.

 

[iMatthew]

This probably sounds stupid, but I need to be refreshed with home deliveries. I usually only work nights (close shifts on weekdays and weekends).

I know how to do a home delivery via the register (nontrade > home del > enter/confirm customer details, etc etc)
What happens after that though? There are slips in the draw with like reference numbers on them isn't there? Do we use those, or do we just put the shopping on the trolly after we do the register home delivery?


Thanks

 

[jgibson0011]

When I was doing rosters in my last dept I was constantly getting chipped for flexxing up PPT staff over 36 hrs. Acorrding to the NSW agreement a PPT must not exceed more than 144hhs in a 4week cycle. Any excess hours SHOULD be paid at over - time. I also believe that if you are constantly being flexxed you are entitled to ask for your average weekly hrs as a new core roster (avg over a 12 mth period) This is how a lot of our staff members became Full time. Having said that, it still happens a lot in my store.
It's wothwhile checking out your agreement.

I never have understood how flexed hours work when the employee is working PPT. Can you refuse to sign if the hours don't suit you (i.e. Family commitments etc)?

Also...wixxy2348, thats a nice photo of your store. Was it taken recently? I feel strange taking photos incase there is some sort of official policy regarding flash photography.

 

[iMatthew]

Well I just got an email back from Woolworths National Compliance Coordinator.
She states there is no rule in Victoria that prohibits <16 year olds to sale tobacco.

I am getting conflicting stories from everyone. I know there is no such rule, otherwise... how am i selling tobacco via my register?
The main problem is, they can't/wont give me smokeshop privlidges. My CSM has tried but she said there is nothing preventing me from logging in there, but i get "USER NOT ALLOWED".

This is rediclous. She advised me to speak to my SSM or Regional Compliance Specialist.
So either, my CSM doesn't know how to use checkout banks, or woolworths needs to keep their staff updated with state policies if there is some "hard coded" smokeshop login blocker.

<roll eyes>

 

[mak5]

I never have understood how flexed hours work when the employee is working PPT. Can you refuse to sign if the hours don't suit you (i.e. Family commitments etc)?

Also...wixxy2348, thats a nice photo of your store. Was it taken recently? I feel strange taking photos incase there is some sort of official policy regarding flash photography.

This is from the NSW EBA Sorry It's so long but sounds like some people should know about this...


5.5 Part-time Employees
5.5.1 A Part-time employee may be engaged to work a regular number of rostered hours to a maximum of 20 days in any 4-week cycle with a maximum of 38
8 WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKETS – NSW/ACT AGREEMENT 2007
hours in any one rostered week. These hours shall not be less than 40 hours per 4 week cycle nor more than 144 hours in a 4 week cycle.
5.5.2 A part-time employee may, by mutual agreement, work up to a maximum of 48 hours in any week during key operational periods of December, January and the week prior to and the week after Easter Sunday, before incurring overtime, provided that the employee does not exceed 144 hours in their four week cycle (5.5.1).
5.5.3 The minimum daily engagement shall be 3 hours.
5.5.4 The maximum daily engagement shall be 9 hours (exclusive of meal breaks) except where an employee may work 11 hours pursuant to subclauses 15.5.2.3 and 15.5.2.4.
5.5.5 The maximum number of starts in any week shall be 5 except where an employee works 6 days, pursuant to subclause 15.5.2.1.
5.5.6 Part-time employees shall be paid an hourly rate equal to the appropriate weekly rate divided by 38. The provisions of this agreement where relevant shall apply to part-time employees on a pro rata basis.
5.5.7 Additional Hours
5.5.7.1 Notwithstanding the above provisions, a part-time employee may be offered Additional Hours, and accept such hours on a voluntary basis. Such hours are in addition to a part-time employee’s core rostered hours.
The working of part-time Additional Hours is subject to the following provisions:
(a) Additional Hours are offered on a voluntary basis in addition to a part-time employee’s core rostered hours, up to a maximum of 38 hours in any week.
(b) Additional Hours shall be paid at the appropriate part-time ordinary hours rate of pay, inclusive of any additional loadings applicable to such hours.
(c) The working of Additional Hours operates subject to clauses: 15 - Hours and Rostering; 16 - Loadings for Certain Ordinary Hours; 17 - Overtime; 19 - Meal Breaks and Rest Pauses; 20 - Meal Allowance; 12.6 - Two Engagements in the one day; 36 - Superannuation, and all other relevant clauses.
(d) Additional Hours shall not be worked in excess of daily maximum hours or days elsewhere provided in this Agreement (as contained in clauses 4.3, 5.5 and 15.5.2) or in excess of an average of 36 hours per week over a four week cycle, without the payment of overtime.
(e) The leave provisions of this Agreement shall apply to part-time employees on a pro-rata basis.
9 WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKETS – NSW/ACT AGREEMENT 2007
(f) Where the number of rostered hours varies during any anniversary year (including where an employee transfers from part-time to full-time employment and vice versa), the employee’s Annual Leave entitlements shall be calculated weekly. All other entitlements shall be calculated on the average number of ordinary hours worked during the anniversary year.
(g) In the event that a part-time employee is not able to work an agreed additional shift on account of illness/injury (sick leave), they are entitled to access Personal Leave in accordance with clause 22, Personal Leave.
5.5.7.2 Increase of Core Hours
A part-time employee who volunteers to work Additional Hours in any anniversary year, can elect to increase their core hours in the subsequent anniversary year. This is subject to the following provisions:
(a) The increase in core hours for the subsequent anniversary year shall be calculated on the average number of Additional Hours worked by the part-time employee over the previous year, calculated on a weekly basis, excluding temporary contracted hours.
(b) The increase in core hours is averaged over the subsequent anniversary year on a weekly basis.
(c) The core hours shall continue to increase on a yearly basis, unless the part-time employee works only their core hours in an anniversary year.
(d) Where the following exceptional circumstances give rise to a significant downturn in business, the Company may elect to delay the offer of a core hour increase by up to 3 months:
- Renovation;
- Refurbishment;
- Natural Disaster; or
- New competition.
Where the above exceptional circumstances give rise to a new or ongoing significant downturn in business, the Company shall have the option of delaying the offer of a core hour increase by an additional period, and such period shall be reviewed at 3 monthly intervals, until such time that the hours become available.
Where additional permanent hours become available in the store and the employee has proven and demonstrated skills and competencies for the position where the hours have become available, then that employee will have preference to the additional hours of work ahead of other part-time employees who have had no reduction in hours
10 WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKETS – NSW/ACT AGREEMENT 2007
(as per clause 15.5.2.9), casual employees, and new part-time employees.
Disputes concerning the application of this provision shall be dealt with in accordance with clause 38, Grievance Procedure.
5.5.7.3 Conversion to Full-Time Employment
Where a part-time employee achieves core hours of 36 hours per week, that employee can elect to be employed on a full-time basis. This sub-clause applies where the employee worked an average of 36 hours or more per week in their previous anniversary year.

 

[bensneddon]

Well I just got an email back from Woolworths National Compliance Coordinator.
She states there is no rule in Victoria that prohibits <16 year olds to sale tobacco.

I am getting conflicting stories from everyone. I know there is no such rule, otherwise... how am i selling tobacco via my register?
The main problem is, they can't/wont give me smokeshop privlidges. My CSM has tried but she said there is nothing preventing me from logging in there, but i get "USER NOT ALLOWED".

This is rediclous. She advised me to speak to my SSM or Regional Compliance Specialist.
So either, my CSM doesn't know how to use checkout banks, or woolworths needs to keep their staff updated with state policies if there is some "hard coded" smokeshop login blocker.

<roll eyes>

Who was the person you emailed? Cathy Keogh?

I'd put money on the fact that your CSM doesn't know how to use the checkout banks feature in StoreLine Office.

 

[iMatthew]

Who was the person you emailed? Cathy Keogh?

I'd put money on the fact that your CSM doesn't know how to use the checkout banks feature in StoreLine Office.

Yeah i'd probably go with that aswell, seeing as she gave me supervision without knowing it [whilst trying to fix my s/s login] (massive lol) .
Previous CSM and 2IC (who left for other stores at the exact same time) told me there was the <16 year old rule. They did not bother trying to fix it since they were so sure there was the rule in effect.

Natalie Cook was the one who emailed me.

Edit: Can people who know how to use storeline give me step by step instructions for possible solutions? When me and my awesome DM is on, we'll solve it together. For example, some people said it may be the smokeshop option in checkout bank, some people say it might be my DOB in Store Line. Instructions to check both those would be appreciated..

 

[bensneddon]

Yeah i'd probably go with that aswell, seeing as she gave me supervision without knowing it [whilst trying to fix my s/s login] (massive lol) .
Previous CSM and 2IC (who left for other stores at the exact same time) told me there was the <16 year old rule. They did not bother trying to fix it since they were so sure there was the rule in effect.

Natalie Cook was the one who emailed me.

Edit: Can people who know how to use storeline give me step by step instructions for possible solutions? When me and my awesome DM is on, we'll solve it together. For example, some people said it may be the smokeshop option in checkout bank, some people say it might be my DOB in Store Line. Instructions to check both those would be appreciated..

Hmm I thought Natalie Cook was Regional Compliance Specialist in Region 8... she must have got a promotion.

Log in to StoreLine Office as "Service Manager" or "Office Cashier" go to "User Maintenance" > "Operator & Supervisor Maintenance"

Select your User ID, go to the Checkout Banks tab and ensure your are linked to the appropriate banks. Then press apply.

That's off the top of my head, I may have got some of the terminology wrong.

 

[iMatthew]

Hmm I thought Natalie Cook was Regional Compliance Specialist in Region 8... she must have got a promotion.

Log in to StoreLine Office as "Service Manager" or "Office Cashier" go to "User Maintenance" > "Operator & Supervisor Maintenance"

Select your User ID, go to the Checkout Banks tab and ensure your are linked to the appropriate banks. Then press apply.

That's off the top of my head, I may have got some of the terminology wrong.

Yeah I think she did get a promotion..
Thanks for the steps guide. Is the DOB field in there too, or should that be all that's needed?
Damn he's going to wonder how I know this stuff about StoreLine, lol..

 

[bensneddon]

Yeah I think she did get a promotion..
Thanks for the steps guide. Is the DOB field in there too, or should that be all that's needed?
Damn he's going to wonder how I know this stuff about StoreLine, lol..

The DOB field in StoreLine does nothing.

 

[iMatthew]

The DOB field in StoreLine does nothing.

Cheers

 

[Harry778]

Well I just got an email back from Woolworths National Compliance Coordinator.
She states there is no rule in Victoria that prohibits <16 year olds to sale tobacco.

I am getting conflicting stories from everyone. I know there is no such rule, otherwise... how am i selling tobacco via my register?
The main problem is, they can't/wont give me smokeshop privlidges. My CSM has tried but she said there is nothing preventing me from logging in there, but i get "USER NOT ALLOWED".

This is rediclous. She advised me to speak to my SSM or Regional Compliance Specialist.
So either, my CSM doesn't know how to use checkout banks, or woolworths needs to keep their staff updated with state policies if there is some "hard coded" smokeshop login blocker.

<roll eyes>

Why dont you try getting new numbers? When entering someone into the register system to you have to have your DOB attatched to it? I'm guessing so because is that the only thing stopping you from signing onto it?

And just get the CSM to put in a different DOB that makes you 16/18+?