My Dilemma... I need your opinion...

[SonGokuGT]

Hello everyone! I'm new here and I have a situation... I have been a BBV employee for 3 1/2 years while I'm attending college. Everything has always been great with the exceptions of the pressures of Mystery Shops and enforcement of suggestive selling of multiple BBV programs throughout the years. Since it is relevant to the story, I will also metion that I am indeed a CSR by my own choice so I can focus on college work.

This all started a few months back. My good friend at the time was a SL. our ASM left to go work for another company and he was being prepped up to become the next ASM, it was even confirmed by our DL. So what does the DL do? Out of nowhere he hired an ASM from outside the company and cast my buddy aside.

Our new ASM came in with a level less than a CSR, obviosly due to the fact she wasn't promoted from within. She began to put the moves on my buddy, very blatant too, regardless of her being married and having a kid. The sexual harrassment took place in and out of the workplace, but my friend chose to ignore it. Not only was she sexually harrasing him, but treated me like shit. The reasoningbehind this I would later find out from another co-worker was because [my friend] "acted differently when I was around", so she didn't like me and showed it.

Not only did she take this discriminatory attitude with me but with some other CSRs.one by one we approched our SM. and nothing got done about it...

She then started doing other things... most of them Class A and B violations. She edited her timeclock and put in breaks she never took, worked on breaks, would come in on days off and do minor tasks off the clock, bought accessories for the store out of her own money, etc. She even opened the store 40 minutes late one day... At this point her attitude toards me and a few other CSRs stayed the same. We talked to our SM multiple times but to no avail.

Things did not improve at all, and another buddy of mine rose to the rank of SL. He's been SL since early on this year, when my previous buddy [the one being sexually harrassed] left. He's been putting up with our ASM's actions and our SM's reluctance to act first hand. Our SM had even SHOWN and complaint letter from a fellow employee to out ASM saying "This is what they're saying about you! So be careful, they're all out to get you." When we complain he tells us "This is just a witch hunt." So you can see our SM has totally violated his vow of confidentiality.

The newer SL decided to clock in early since the store was a mess. the ASM had not done anything but converting very few favorites all day and runbacks where very backed up with the dropbox completely full as well. He took the intiative to clock in and get it done ASAP instead of staying late to make the store presentable. So what does the ASM do? She starts yelling at him at the front of the store about how he better go clock back out and wait! He comes to me frustrated and tells me he's really close to quitting on the spot... I told him o rethink it so he went in the back had a discussion with her and wrote up his 2 weeks notice. Customers also made comments once she left about "How they couldn't believe someone like her was in charge".

Since I was a witness o this whole situation, the SM asked me what happened and I told him exactly that... he quickly changes the subject to "Why don't you guys like [the ASM]?" and I answered "Apart fom how she's treated me and all the things she's done in the past, she's just really unprofessional." and here he goes and says this in front of customers: "unprofessional? Let me tell you about being unprofessional!" and he starts fuckin unloading all this stupid petty shit on me. So he goes in asking for my input and turns it into a personal attack on me!

So you all can see how fucked this is... Everyone in the store but 3 employees is planning on leaving or actively looking for another job. Our trust in our SM has been broken and we have no one to turn to...

Sure, there's the employee hotline... but the system is made to protect the employers and not the employees...

What do you guys have o say about this?

[HardcoreKeith]

.oOo. Transfer or quit .oOo.

[SonGokuGT]

I forgot to mention... I turned down my SM's offer to be a SL and now my hours are getting cut... hmm? [that's where the "me being a CSR" was supposed to come into play]

[SL_600]

Seems a bit unhealthy that your SM would take the ASM's side over the other employees who've been there longer. You mentioned that he had previously brushed off your concerns, which makes me want to ask why you would think this time would be any different? Your SM is either "hitting that" or "wants to be hitting that." Either way, you are the one who gets screwed. Eat your heart out Alanis. That there's irony!

[SonGokuGT]

Your SM is either "hitting that" or "wants to be hitting that." Either way, you are the one who gets screwed.

That's one of our theories... a co-worker's husband who works next door has seen the ASM come in on her days off to see the SM before the store opened... >_>

[OzMan]

Your SM is either "hitting that" or "wants to be hitting that." Either way, you are the one who gets screwed. Eat your heart out Alanis. That there's irony!

That was my first thought.

Beyond that, one word comes to mind.... and that word is.....

WORD

[zooworker]

That was my first thought.

Beyond that, one word comes to mind.... and that word is.....

WORDIt's so odd to hear employees do all this complaining and not know what WORD is. Policy dictates to have the WORD poster in the back room. In fact we just got a new one in recently.SO if you are in the US use WORD, do they have this in others country's?

[SonGokuGT]

It's so odd to hear employees do all this complaining and not know what WORD is. Policy dictates to have the WORD poster in the back room. In fact we just got a new one in recently.SO if you are in the US use WORD, do they have this in others country's?


Has anyone used WORD before? How does the process go?

[zooworker]

Has anyone used WORD before? How does the process go?
Just call the number and talk to them. It can be anonymous if you want. It will be reported to RDO and on down the line, or HR or LP depending on the problem.

[HardcoreKeith]

Most likely Word will forward it to the DL, who will forward it to the SM and say "take care of this."

Transfer or quit

[SonGokuGT]

Most likely Word will forward it to the DL, who will forward it to the SM and say "take care of this."

Transfer or quit

Yeah... I'm already job hunting. As bad as this company is to its employees, I doubt WORD will do anything. What Keith has just said would probably be the best case scenario. Shit, I bet it could probably blow up in my face if I reported it and I'D be the one getting the boot!

The way this company/my store operates is beyond me...

[zooworker]

Yeah... I'm already job hunting. As bad as this company is to its employees, I doubt WORD will do anything. What Keith has just said would probably be the best case scenario. Shit, I bet it could probably blow up in my face if I reported it and I'D be the one getting the boot!

The way this company/my store operates is beyond me...
SO what do you have to lose then, maybe reporting to WORD will help. Has for me in the past. Stand up and do something, if you don't same kinda shit will happen again, maybe in your next job even. I'm tired of people just saying "I guess I will quit" instead of doing something about the problems.

[johnlow71]

crap happens at every job sooner or later, just follow what your heart tells you, if its just too much bs then go somehwere that will make happier.gl.

[SonGokuGT]

Thanks a lot for your input, guys! I'm working on leaving because ever since the incident my SM treats me worse and worse. So I will leave a little anonymous message on my way out the door, ;) no reason why my co-workers and incoming employees should put up with this.

Thanks again, and keep posting with more imput if you have any. I will let you guys know any developments as the happen.

[zooworker]

Thanks a lot for your input, guys! I'm working on leaving because ever since the incident my SM treats me worse and worse. So I will leave a little anonymous message on my way out the door, ;) no reason why my co-workers and incoming employees should put up with this.

Thanks again, and keep posting with more imput if you have any. I will let you guys know any developments as the happen.
Go ahead and find another job, but why leave an anonymous message? Report the problem if you like you coworkers, you are not being fair to them.

[brantheman]

And try and leave on good terms, as hard as that may be. No use burning bridges if one day down the road you'll need another job and Blockbuster will be an easy solution.

Anyway, I agree with everyone else in that my first thought was that there is some SM-ASM lovin' going on. Probably on the floor inbetween Special Interest and TV.

[rk237]

there is some SM-ASM lovin' going on. Probably on the floor inbetween Special Interest and TV.

Dude, it always has to be in the foreign section where every other coverbox already has some lovin' on display. Helps with the mood. :p

[sar94pga]

Most likely Word will forward it to the DL, who will forward it to the SM and say "take care of this."

Transfer or quit

its hard to say. if an employee complains about being open on christmas, that would go to the DM. if it is a valid sexual harrassment claim, THAT may go to HRM.

[Suli]

Did you even try talking to your DM or HR Manager? I mean I know its a pain in the ass to deal with those two and I understanding you looking for another job but you are doing NOTHING about it.

It's how it goes

1. Talk to employee you are having a problem with about it, if it doesn't work go to step 2.

2. Talk to SM, if that doesn't work go to step 3.

3. Talk to DM, if that doesn't work go to step 4.

4. Talk to HR Manager which will most likely work seeing as they don't give a rats ass about some random ASM if you report it and other CSRs confirm that ASM will have there ass handed to them.

[OzMan]

Dude, it always has to be in the foreign section where every other coverbox already has some lovin' on display. Helps with the mood. :p

We've had this discussion before.

The Action section is the best place for that;)

[rk237]

We've had this discussion before.

The Action section is the best place for that;)

Ahh yes, didn't even consider the action secion! :cool:

[AmazonBitch]

Most likely Word will forward it to the DL, who will forward it to the SM and say "take care of this."

Transfer or quit

Arg - how many times do I have to go over this. This only happens when the complaint is "My SM is MEAN cause he/she acually wants me to WORK *gasp*". Which is not what it's for.

When it is used as it is intended - for gross policy or legal violations, it is a different story. It goes to the HRM and RDO under penalty of the AVP if the report is not fully investigated.

[SonGokuGT]

Shit has been hitting the fan left and right. People have been leaving and planning to leave due to the ASM. The other day, on eof my co-workers up and quit on the spot. The reason this coworker left is because she got another job and went to turn in her 2 weeks. The ASM didnt want to help her with the 2 weeks notice or give her the voluntary resignation form, so she quit on the spot.

I'm leaving now that I've found a higher-paying and much more personally fulfilling job. I made a note to put the ASM as my reson for quitting. I will also call the WORD hotline before I leave. Ever since I put in my 2 weeks my SM has been really rude and childish towards me.

The ASM blew up on my friend the SL, again.... This time with his parents present. His mother will be calling the complaint line and possibly DL.

Here's another fun story:
I get a call from my buddy the SL, asking if I want to close. He was told to call me in since the closer called out. Thing is, SL was off the clock and ASM didnt want to call me even thought she's the one on the clock and responsible for calling me. So now she's telling people tyo do work off the clock.

We are thinking of all writing a letter to Corporate or the DL letting them know why all but 3 employees are leaving because of the ASM...

Thought? suggestons?

[BlockbusterLuvsU]

Talk to HR.

[yousickf'ingbastard]

Shit has been hitting the fan left and right. People have been leaving and planning to leave due to the ASM. The other day, on eof my co-workers up and quit on the spot. The reason this coworker left is because she got another job and went to turn in her 2 weeks. The ASM didnt want to help her with the 2 weeks notice or give her the voluntary resignation form, so she quit on the spot.

I'm leaving now that I've found a higher-paying and much more personally fulfilling job. I made a note to put the ASM as my reson for quitting. I will also call the WORD hotline before I leave. Ever since I put in my 2 weeks my SM has been really rude and childish towards me.

The ASM blew up on my friend the SL, again.... This time with his parents present. His mother will be calling the complaint line and possibly DL.

Here's another fun story:
I get a call from my buddy the SL, asking if I want to close. He was told to call me in since the closer called out. Thing is, SL was off the clock and ASM didnt want to call me even thought she's the one on the clock and responsible for calling me. So now she's telling people tyo do work off the clock.

We are thinking of all writing a letter to Corporate or the DL letting them know why all but 3 employees are leaving because of the ASM...

Thought? suggestons?

bitch bitch bitch

quit the fucking job already then

[SonGokuGT]

12 days left...

You failed to read that I put in my 2 weeks...

[yousickf'ingbastard]

12 days left...

You failed to read that I put in my 2 weeks...

oh, i read your 2 weeks notice. but you're still bitchin. if you hate the job so much then walk out. don't put up with it for 2 more weeks

[SonGokuGT]

Might come to that if any future event triggers it...

[AmazonBitch]

I will also call the WORD hotline before I leave. Ever since I put in my 2 weeks my SM has been really rude and childish towards me.

Note and example to everyone: This is a reason to talk to the DM. This is NOT a valid reason to call the WORD hotline.

Any questions?

[SonGokuGT]

Note and example to everyone: This is a reason to talk to the DM. This is NOT a valid reason to call the WORD hotline.

Any questions?


So would it be better to write the letter and give it to the DL?

[AmazonBitch]

So would it be better to write the letter and give it to the DL?

Yes. The WORD hotline is for major policy violatoins / legal HR violations - not because you think your SM is rude.

[BlockbusterLuvsU]

The DL most likely won't do anything. Human Resources will be the ones who will make sure there is an investigation or what have you. It's better that they talk to the DL than you sending him/her a letter.

[zooworker]

We are thinking of all writing a letter to Corporate or the DL letting them know why all but 3 employees are leaving because of the ASM...

Thought? suggestons?
Letter or call won't do any good once you leave. If you had problems you should have voiced them in person with your DL before your notice. they will only see this as a personal attack now.

[Mr.King]

She then started doing other things... most of them Class A and B violations. She edited her timeclock and put in breaks she never took, worked on breaks, would come in on days off and do minor tasks off the clock,

Out of curiosity, how is taking time off her pay, and working while not getting paid a violation??
Basically she's doing work for free.. normally most employers encourage this, they don't consider it a violation..

Anyone care to explain if I'm wrong?

Or is this just another one of those things that blockbuster does that makes absolutely no sense in the real world?


OHHHH.. and an idea, is just get everyone in the store to up and quit at the exact same time... none of this two weeks notice bullshit. Just have everyone walk off the job. That's when DL and HR start asking questions!

[URBAN_COWBOY]

Out of curiosity, how is taking time off her pay, and working while not getting paid a violation??
Basically she's doing work for free.. normally most employers encourage this, they don't consider it a violation..

Anyone care to explain if I'm wrong?

Or is this just another one of those things that blockbuster does that makes absolutely no sense in the real world?


It's called a law there genius. You must get paid for every hour you work. This same employee could come back later and say BB made her do it. Therefore, it is against all companies policy to work off the clock. I have never worked for a company that didn't have this policy.

[rk237]

Out of curiosity, how is taking time off her pay, and working while not getting paid a violation??

It's called a law there genius. You must get paid for every hour you work. This same employee could come back later and say BB made her do it.

What Cowboy said, and also if you get injured working while you're off the clock, then BB's insurance company probably won't cover them (if you sue or whatever), so it comes out of BB's own pocket.

[Mr.King]

Cool cool..
Makes sense..
Just wanted to clarify.
But I mean there's no proof that she worked (If she say's BB made her do it) so I don't know ..
Wait... is this a U.S thing, or does that happen up here in Canada aswell?

[rk237]

. . .or does that happen up here in Canada aswell?

uh, ... where??

[Lomithrandel]

Cool cool..
Makes sense..
Just wanted to clarify.
But I mean there's no proof that she worked (If she say's BB made her do it) so I don't know ..
Wait... is this a U.S thing, or does that happen up here in Canada aswell?
Yes, same law applies up here in Canada as well. Doesn't mean some people don't ignore it though, I worked some hours off the clock before I was promoted to a salaried position.

[sar94pga]

Yes, same law applies up here in Canada as well. Doesn't mean some people don't ignore it though, I worked some hours off the clock before I was promoted to a salaried position.

oh i remember those days.....i miss overtime...oh wait....:rolleyes:

[zooworker]

oh i remember those days.....i miss overtime...oh wait....:rolleyes:
SUre you do, only when paid by the hour. Now you do it for free.:rolleyes:
Work I mean.......

[Mr.King]

Hmm..
How could someone sue BB for working off the clock at their own discretion. It's kind of like if a customer (Wishful thinking) were to place some cover boxes that they see out of place. If they strain their arm trying to put a cover box up high, they can't sue blockbuster.
That's basically what I meant in my earlier post. It doesn't quite make sense to me.
Mind you (Not being too stereotypical) Americans do have the tendancy to sue more than Canadians do.

[Woodstock]

Hmm..
How could someone sue BB for working off the clock at their own discretion. It's kind of like if a customer (Wishful thinking) were to place some cover boxes that they see out of place. If they strain their arm trying to put a cover box up high, they can't sue blockbuster.
That's basically what I meant in my earlier post. It doesn't quite make sense to me.
Mind you (Not being too stereotypical) Americans do have the tendancy to sue more than Canadians do.

I don't think that it is just because of the might get sued aspect - I don't think that insurance/disability will kick in if the person gets hurt.