Training New Staff at Work (New Contract Brings Two New Staff)

[Deactivated] on 02/07/2018 - 11:45
Last edited 02/07/2018 - 12:03 by 1 other user

I work in security industry. Working in a government department through a contractor. Contractor company didn't go for the contract this time and we got a new security company which conducted interviews and stuff. 2 out of 4 didn't get hired by the new company. Two, who will be joining the new contractor are myself and a manager.

She (my existing manager) has mentioned me as 2IC and is expecting me to train new people. One of those new staff has left today as he wasn't happy with the work and 2nd one will leave in a month as per his agreement. Which means I will be training the staff while covering my own shift. I can do that and I have no issues but why only me? Today I called the HR of the new company and asked why this position description isn't mentioned on the document. She replied saying that document is a generic one and my pay rate will be the same. The lady has made changes to the roster and now my 2 RDOs are gone and weekly hours have jumped from 38 to 45 hours per week.

Is there anything i can do about the situation or just look for a job?

I can bring more information if you find this insufficient.

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  garetz on 02/07/2018 - 12:23

  +6

  Just state that you never agreed to train new employees, and it states nowhere in your contract that you must do so, if they wish you to do that then tell them you need to renegotiate the contract, as like they said its generic, and doesnt take this extra work into consideration.

  As for the lost rdo and hours per week, are you getting paid more ? You should take that up with HR. You should always be looking for better job opportunities, especially if you are on a contract.

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    HighAndDry on 02/07/2018 - 14:21

    Training newer staff is part and parcel of being a more senior employee in basically any position. And if OP's hours have gone up, then so has his total pay. I don't see anything wrong with this, unless OP doesn't like the extra hours, isn't actually getting paid for those extra hours, or isn't getting paid at a higher rate than the newbies he's training. If he is… then it's just up to him if he wants to stay or not.

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      [Deactivated] on 04/07/2018 - 09:00

      Yes payrate is same. Newbies are coming from different sites to work on this site with zero or lack of skills which are required.

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    [Deactivated] on 04/07/2018 - 08:06

    I will go through the agreement again. I don't think it says anywhere about training new staff at work. Interview lady confirmed that payrate will not change. I will get the same hourly rate. Previously i was doing 37hrs now 45.

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      HighAndDry on 04/07/2018 - 10:01

      "Training new staff" is part and parcel of every job, whether you're a cashier (you'd train up new hires if you're more senior), to professionals (e.g. accountants - you would still train new grads hired into the firm). You're working more hours to train them, you're getting paid for those extra hours. There isn't an issue here.

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  toniyellow on 02/07/2018 - 12:40

  +3

  It sounds like you are basically starting a new job - you had an interview, and are getting a new contract with a new company, so if the conditions are changing and you don't like that, now is the time to negotiate, or move on.

  Most job descriptions have something like ‘and additional duties as required’ and training new staff would be a pretty normal additional duty, as long as you have the knowledge to train them – you are training them in your job or a similar job, not expected to teach them to fly a plane or something you're not qualified to teach.
  So I'm not sure that training new staff is the hill you want to die on, I'd probably concentrate on negotiating some of the things that will impact you more, like the hours.

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  DarthAntz on 02/07/2018 - 12:57

  +1

  averting liability by having you act as trainer.
  As a capable staff member, provide in writing that you are able to train them working for the company (company profile, orientation to the company, using any documents the company has provided you as training materials) to ensure the new staff know who they are working for, their rights and responsibilities.

  Now unless you have the right tickets and can train these people on anything safety related, security related or anything to prevent litigation or malpractice as a result of their workplace responsibilities, your company needs to know thats the line, and there is benefit in training to protect themselves.

  Dreamworld ride operators had the claim that they werent given proper training

  You have an opportunity here to improve your position at work. you need to give a written, documented list (evidence you can use in the future) to convey the best options for being in a position of training.

  If it were me and i was told to train two noobs, i'd find a relevant training course, find a cost, amount of time and phone number, and give it to the boss to let them know its the best way to have the new staff covered.

  Or go out of your way to get a cert IV in training and develop your own course for people like this. Security companies have money and need this for their staff, and you have experience working in security already.

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  HighAndDry on 02/07/2018 - 14:19

  The lady has made changes to the roster and now my 2 RDOs are gone and weekly hours have jumped from 38 to 45 hours per week.

  Doesn't your pay also jump from 38hrs to 45hrs?

  Job description is one thing, but they're usually fairly vague and flexible. Duties for training newbies generally comes with experience and seniority - you should be being paid more than these newbies, and that's to cover exactly things like needing to train them.

  If you don't like it… quit find another gig.

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  Cartman2530 on 02/07/2018 - 15:25

  I would be quite annoyed that my RDOs are taken from me without my consent. They are an extra 12 days off a year for me!

  OP, remember that any changes in your work role and conditions MUST be agreed by both yourself and the employer. They can't just change your role while also removing some of your agreed upon conditions without your consent.

  Talk to HR as soon as possible and renegotiate your pay and conditions. At the very least you should get those RDOs back!

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  SnoozeAndLose on 04/07/2018 - 08:30

  Are you permanent government employee under crown award or you are a contractor?

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    [Deactivated] on 04/07/2018 - 08:37

    I am a contractor.

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      [Deactivated] on 04/07/2018 - 08:37

      Under Award wages eventhough i dont work overtime or weekend shifts.

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        SnoozeAndLose on 04/07/2018 - 08:45

        I am surprised you entitled to RDO and award wages when you are not permanent employee.

        Since your employer are not government, they do not need to follow the government award and give you RDO.

        I think it is the result of government cutting budget so that your new employer not able to provide you with what you used to get or they are the one want to make more profit out of you.

        if you think that you worth more and they need you to train people to get on the role, you should raise it up or look for a better job now while negotiating with them, it gives you more bargaining power.

        I am sure you are a ozbargainer and you know what is the best for yourself.

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        [Deactivated] on 04/07/2018 - 09:06

        @LoveBargain15: i am permanent employee of the contractor company.

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        SnoozeAndLose on 04/07/2018 - 09:12

        @twoperspectives:

        I understand but this is not classify as government employee which the benefit will be based on what your company give you not under the crown award.