Civil

Impartiality?

Can I ask your advice on these scenarios? Scenario 1 Two colleagues, equal grades, have to go regularly from the UK to collaborative organisations in the Far East as part of their work. Colleague A (male) is able to fly Business Class/Premium economy, is on a fixed site with office facilities, and can carry all confidential materials on external hard drive. Scenario 2 Colleague B (female) has to fly Economy, is on 3 sites, has no office facilities, has to carry all confidential materials in printed form as part of luggage. The rationale for scenario1 is that the Far East site has a financial arrangement with home organisation to cover colleague A's costs (no money forthcoming yet). The rationale for scenario 2 is that there is 'no money in the budget', to cover other than economy travel by colleague B. The budget is negotiated centrally and managed by line manager. Visits are regular and predictable. The arrangements for the collaboration were negotiated centrally by home organisation. What (sensible) approach should colleague 2 use with line manager in an attempt to ensure parity? She is thinking of inequallity of treatment, health and safety, etc., but needs to be non-confrontational. Would welcome advice. Thanks

Aprillove Wed 11/06/08 05:41

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Tetjam
Wed 11/06/08
12:19

Health & Safety???? You think if the aeroplane crashes the Business Class people have a better chance of surviving?????

Why not just thank your lucky stars you have a job, and stop being so grasping and jealous.

Aprillove
Wed 11/06/08
14:32

Question Author

That was a really helpful reply, Titjam
Thank you for taking the time to do it.

Tetjam
Wed 11/06/08
14:35

No problemo, *********

ladyalex
Thurs 12/06/08
00:06

I do not think you can do this without being confrontational. That is, I think you have to have a face to face discussion with the line manager pointing out the inequality and asking for fair treatment. Try to present your case as logically and calmly as you can and if you get the same old 'no money in the budget' reply, say that, regardless of financial constraints, you cannot understand why your colleague receives more favourable treatment than you . Try to keep hitting the manager with your complaint of inequality and do not be tempted to argue with him/her about the firm's budget. The firm's budget is a red herring, the issue is inequality of treatment. Keep calm, nothing will be gained if you lose your temper.
Good luck.

north star
Thurs 12/06/08
19:52

If you were the line manager, how would YOU resolve the problem? Is there a class of travel inbetween business class/ Premium economy and economy?

My solution would be for both of you to travel economy but leave a day earlier to allow some jet lag recovery time so you are both fresh for your meetings.

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