Question: My Health has been very poor in the last few months due to stress I have at work. I am doing three peoples jobs and my boss insists that I don’t need help and it’s okay for me to take on a ‘department on my own’ I have no support from my boss and he continues to make remarks about me. He tells me I look terrible. I look sick – he even suggested I have HIV and told me to get myself sorted out! I was so upset when he accused me of having HIV – I went to see my GP and had every blood test possible and she complied a report to say that my helath was all good and that I was just over worked and my body cannot cope with being on the go all the time with no support at work and working late hours. I have had endless problems with this boss and just don’t know what to do anymore. What really upset me is the fact that I was due for an increase this month and my boss sent me a letter saying he was going to give me an increase but decided against it, however he will re think my increase monthly provided I’m not sick for one day then I will get my increase monthly. Is this fair? Everyone in the company has received an increase except for me? This can’t be right? Please help really need to know what my rights are in my work place.

Answer: In general increases are discretionary unless prescribed by council/wage agreements. Thus the Boss has the right not to grant one unless prescribed so unfortunately no luck there. It is unfair but is one instance of reality. I suggest you submit a formal written grievance to your Boss outlining all your concerns and further what outcomes you are requesting. As this is a formal process he is obliged by law to respond. If he doesn’t and ignores this then you have avenues to take further via external institutions. Remember always keep copies of all documents.

Also note that once you do this the Boss will become even more p****d off than usual so be prepared.

If you are that unhappy and see no light at the end then maybe you should start looking for an alternative position. Nothing worse than getting up in the morning and not wanting to go to work!

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