In need of advice

[TopCat1]

I work part-time for a company, there are 12 of us altogether, I work within a team of 3 people (not a very high position). I love my place of work and my colleques. But I have just found out, that the Christmas bonus I am getting is HALF of what everyone else is getting. I am extremely hurt by this, and geniunely know its not because of any reason as I work hard, good time keeping and get on with everyone.

Yes, I am the lowest paid in the office, and yes work less hours, but is this reason enough to discriminate me?

Am I in my rights to ask my employer why? or would this be in bad taste.

[maggie01]

Maybe it is based on your earnings and the hours you work.

[teag1rl]

Sorry Topcat, but I would assume that since you work less hours it's only fair. It should be proportional though, I would only expect you to get half what the other get if you work half the hours? Still, I wouldnt say anything, be thankful you get a Christmas bonus at all!

[PinkFizz]

I can see why you might be upset but if you got the same as the others then they might feel that they do twice as many hours as you and yet you get the same bonus as them,so I would imagine youe employer is just trying to be fair to everybody.

[TopCat1]

I completely understand what you are all saying, and I am really grateful I'm getting a bonus at all, but surely I shouldn't be discriminated against because i work part-time, afterall I wage reflects this, its not as if I'm on full time wage for part time hours.

I do back up for the girls if they are off, are really busy, I come in when Im needed (even if I don't have a childminder, I bring my little one in, albeit, not often) and Im 18 weeks pregnant, and been extremely ill for the past 16 weeks, and trailed myself into work everyday because its the busy period and didnt want to short staff work, while the other two girls ring in sick if they have a stuffed nose. I could go on and on. Sorry, I'm winding myself up about it now.

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, actually TopCat1 , i am going to assume that your bonus will go off your hourly rate. Since your contracted hours are less than the others, its only right that you get less. I know you might work extra , but its just cover. it must be frustrating for you i know, as you feel as though you have worked just as hard, but hey, i dont even get a xmas bonus :( and i bet there are many others like me too. Dont think its a reflection on how hard you work, its just how it is. If you got the same as the others, they would all be saying the same as you but asking why you get the same as them, when you do less hours...

[daisy48]

Please try not to get wound up TopCat1, Even if you are p/t the fact that you're willing to cover for the other's and take the little one in, not to mention you being pregnant should surely be recognised by the boss? Have a quiet word with him/her as it seem's to me you're doing more than your fair share.

[laurence2]

i would question it without a doubt, my company {900 employees} pay the same bonus to all come xmas or any other profit related pay, and this is whether your a director or cleaner.
Check your conditions of service 1st, as it might well say something about part-time work, but as a rule, this should,nt affect your equal bonus, its difficult to give an accurate answer as their are so many working conditions, but do question it, if not to a manager other staff, to see what they think.
when you work for a small company like yourself, conditions and representation on disciplinary matters seem trivial to bosses, tho i'm not saying all companys work this way

it won't hurt to ask.

[Eve]

Try and work out how proportional your bonus is in relation to your full time colleagues.

Maybe have a quiet word with the boss and just ask if everything is ok with your work as the christmas bonus is great but as it's a lot lower than your colleagues you just wanted to check everything was ok.

[cascarelli]

Actually when youre the boss of a small company you're much closer to the staff and you know them much better so things like conditions, pay, bonuses etc are much more personal and not 'trivial'.

If your bonus is pro rata then its probably correct. If you think there's a mistake then query it but if it's correct then you'll just come across as ungrateful.

[TopCat1]

Hi Folks, thanks for all your replies, I was so flustered yesterday that I didnt actually mention, that until last year, we all got the same bonus, then last year, according to position, everyone got a bit more. We were told that this year there was gonna be a bit more. And I just assumed that everyone would get the same extra money on top of what they got last year, but everyone got different.

I spoke to my Line Manager, who is also my employers PA, and she was very disappointed for me, and for herself as well. I know it sounds bad, but it actually took the sting out of it, knowing I wasnt the only one. So I think I'm just gonna be happy with what I got, because not everyone gets a bonus where they work.

Thanks again folks. Appreciate all your replies.