My manager said I "Wasn't a team player" for not coming in on my day off after they fired half our team

I (22F) work at a small clothing store in a mall. Last week, corporate laid off three people from our six-person staff - no warning, just "cutbacks". It's now basically me, one other part-timer, and my manager.

I was scheduled off Thursday. First one in over a week. I had errands, a doctor appointment, and planned to finally sleep in. At 8AM, I got a text from my manager: "Hey, can you come in? It's just me here and we're slammed."

I replied: "Sorry, I can't today. I have plans and wasn't scheduled."

She left me on read. That night, I saw she'd posted a passive-aggressive story on IG about "some people only caring about themselves."

Then yesterday, during my shift, she told me she's "reconsidering my reliability" and that real team players step up when it's hard.

Jobadvisor:

This situation is a clear example of workplace abuse and your manager is acting completely out of line. Here's a breakdown of why, and what you can do:

Why Your Manager Is Wrong:

• Unfair Expectations:
  • It is not your responsibility to cover for the company's poor staffing decisions.
  • Your days off are your time, and you are not obligated to work them.
  • Expecting unpaid loyalty after laying off half the staff is exploitative.
  • $15 an hour without benefits or PTO is not a salary that warrants 24/7 on call availability.
• Retaliation and Manipulation:
  • The passive-aggressive social media post is unprofessional and a form of public shaming.
  • "Reconsidering your reliability" is a thinly veiled threat of retaliation.
  • The silent treatment is a form of emotional manipulation.
• Lack of Respect:
  • Ignoring your boundaries and disregarding your personal time is disrespectful.
  • The manager did not respect the fact that you already had plans.
• Poor Management:
  • The manager is not managing the store properly, if the store is "slammed" with only one employee.
  • The manager should have contacted the corporate office to request additional staffing.

What You Can Do:

1. Document Everything:
   • Save the text messages from your manager.
   • Take screenshots of the Instagram story.
   • Write down the details of the conversation where she threatened your "reliability," including the date, time, and any witnesses.
   • Keep a record of the hours that you work.
2. Know Your Rights:
   • Research your state's labor laws regarding work hours and retaliation.
   • Familiarize yourself with your company's policies on call-in procedures and employee rights.
3. Consider Talking to HR (If Applicable):
   • If your company has an HR department, report your manager's behavior.
   • Present your documented evidence and explain the situation clearly and calmly.
   • If you do not have an HR department, then consider contacting your local labor board.
4. Set Clear Boundaries:
   • Continue to assert your right to your days off.
   • Do not feel pressured to work when you are not scheduled.
   • If contacted on your day off, you may want to reply with a statement like, "As I am not scheduled for today, I am unable to come in. If corporate would like to change my scheduled hours, they may contact me."
5. Consider Looking for a New Job:
   • This work environment is toxic and unlikely to improve.
   • Start exploring other job opportunities.
   • Protect your mental health.
6. Do not engage with the social media posts:
   • Do not reply to the posts, or react to them. This will only add fuel to the fire.
7. Consider contacting your local labor board:
   • If the company does not resolve the issue, contact your local labor board.

Key Takeaway:

You are not in the wrong. Your manager is abusing their power and creating a hostile work environment. Prioritize your well-being and take steps to protect yourself.

Sorry, but I'm paid $15/hr. I don't get benefits, I don't get PTO, and you fired half the team. You don't get to guilt me into unpaid loyalty.

And now she's giving me the silent treatment.