My Boss is a Bully!

My boss is a bully. He makes me do most of his work as well as mine. He also keeps me back after hours with no pay. I am only 17, it’s a part-time job and he could get anyone to do it. I feel I cannot confront him about the issues. Do you have any tips for me?

This can be rather a tricky situation. Our relationship with our boss needs to be friendly and professional. I have had a few issues with bosses in my time and it can be really stressful. The first step to take is find out what your work agreement involves. It is really difficult if one is not in place. Here is a list of things you should find out about (usually before you start a job). This will ensure you understand what is expected of you and help you determine if you are being treated in accordance with (at least) minimum award conditions.

Information that you should obtain from your prospective employer before starting:

> Confirm which award (if any) and/or agreement you are covered by
> Your job classification and rate of pay
> Your employment status, eg casual, full-time or permanent.
> Your hours of work, including any regular overtime and shift work
> Details of any probationary period

Information that you should obtain from your employer upon commencing employment:

> More about the job and the employer’s performance expectations
> Other rules including completion of time sheets, meal break times and notification requirements when unable to attend work
> Any special rules and procedures, including unacceptable conduct, confidentiality and disciplinary grievance
> The period of notice required for termination of employment

Once you have found out the answers to the above questions that apply to you, then you can set up a talk with your boss. If there are a number of employees who are being treated like this, you may want to join together. If your boss has a superior, then find out how the grievance procedures work.

The Bible actually sets out a great way of confronting people about issues. The basics include:

> First approach the person directly (if this is safe to do). Present your issues clearly without attack and how you are affected.
> If things don’t improve and they do have a superior, approach that person and ask them how you should go about approaching the issue. Or they may approach your direct boss for you.
> If no changes occur, then it might have to be taken to a disciplinary committee. Most cases don’t get to this stage.

If you have no work agreement, find out what someone in your position at another job similar to yours would be entitled to. Still calmly confront your boss. If you have no change, take someone with you to confront them again. Otherwise, while still employed, find another job. This time ask more questions! If you are a good employee, you should have no problem finding a boss who treats you fairly. Just because you are 17 doesn’t mean you should let people treat you poorly. Good luck.