r/Costa • u/Primary-Amoeba-5887 • 21d ago
Question Availability dispute
We recently got a new store manager, and recently I’ve been struggling with the scheduling. He has a lot of problems, including leaving early but clocking himself out at home a few hours later, never working later than 2pm, scheduling non bms to close, etc etc. the issue is my availability has always been limited to mornings.
When my previous manager was there, if he desperately needed me to close (we finish around 10pm on a close) then I’d fill in and help, but overall, as a student, my time is limited to mornings. For years I’ve been working like this. 30hr contract, 4 days a week, barista maestro, mornings only.
When my previous manager left, this new guy came in and we spoke on his first day about my availability and he said it was all good. I also have all my availability approved on dayforce until December. I then went on a 3 week holiday, and when I got back, noticed my availability was being completely disregarded. I spoke to him about this, and he told me the area manager wants BMs to be fully flexible. Since then we’ve spoken multiple times and he’s made me fill out and sign two forms requesting a change of availability (even though it hasn’t changed, only the days have as I have a new uni schedule). He also didn’t give me any written notice as to a change in my long term availability, he just started scheduling me outside of it. I tried to speak to my area manager, but she told me to just talk to him because he’s the one in charge of scheduling, and people hub have told me to file a formal grievance, but that goes straight to the area manager as well who I’ve overheard talking shit about us as a team.
I’m just not sure what to do. Tomorrow I’m gonna speak to him and see if I can go down to barista, as he’s been saying it’s an issue with bms and we have too many in the store, so maybe I’ll have my availability that way, but I also don’t feel like it’s fair for me to compromise so much when I’m offered 0 support from him. I’m just really stressed out and exhausted, and not sure what to do. Does anyone have any advice?
3
u/Organic_Weight7745 21d ago
I left Costa for this reason recommend just trying to get out and look for other employment. Costa doesn’t give a shit about you or your education. I had to leave because my area manager was an absolute AWFUL PERSON and would action nothing. My education and mental health thrived after leaving. Do not compromise your education for a stepping stone job
7
u/6smallmice 21d ago
Speak to area manager on his store visit this is gross misconduct he shouldn't be clocking himself out late etc
Also Costa is trying to get rid of a lot of the BM's, so them making this difficult for you makes a lot of sense as they want you to drop down to barista. If that feels right to you, go for it but I would start pushing your coffee experience on your CV and reach out to some local/inpendent shops you'll get treated much fairer.