Was I wrong or justified: Coworker text me asking if I could work her night so she can work the day shift that was open. Instead, I snatched it?

Question

So my job text all staff, letting us know there are shifts open if we want them. My coworker wanted the day shift September 3rd, which I didn't realize was available until she texted me asking ," Can you work my night shift so I can cover the day shift September 3rd?" After i read the text, i didn't respond, but instead of text , I immediately texted the scheduler and told her I wanted the day shift. They gave it to me. I got to work last night to relieve her she left before I could get here to relieve her as if she was upset.

Static_In_The_Attic · Accepted Answer

On the job where I work it is all about seniority & having seniority is a wonderful thing. In my company if someone leaves, retires, kicks the bucket or something else their job will become available. As for that job anyone can put in for it & the job will go to the individual that put in for it with the most seniority. As for your coworker I’m sure a lesson was learned & if your coworker wants to be mad at you who cares, you have to do whatever is best for you & it is well within your right to put in for the shift.

Do you have seniority when it comes to jobs or shifts in your company?

With my current job I pissed off so many people when I put in for it because no one saw me coming & I was smart because I didn’t say anything about it to anyone.

Life moves on & I’m sure your coworker will get over it if not who cares.

ProbablyClueless · Accepted Answer

Maybe not "wrong" but that seems like a pretty lame and underhanded thing to do... It just depends on the circumstances surrounding the situation.

Do you know what her reason was for wanting the day shift instead of the night?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

If you didn't think it was wrong, you wouldn't be asking. Yes, the shift was open to anyone, but as you said, you only took it AFTER your co-worker asked if you guys could work something out. Sure, go ahead, do what you want to do, but just keep in mind, she knows exactly what you did, and the day you might need her to take a shift or switch, guess who is not going to help you, and you'll have no one to blame but yourself. I was a manager for several years in charge of schedules, and from my experience with my staff of 100, you do not piss on the shift schedule by screwing someone over. The staff who did it were quickly blacklisted by all.

silvermoon84 · Accepted Answer

I mean, you were within your rights to take that shift, however don’t go to her if you ever need help or need to leave early since she’s now within her rights not to help you out.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

It sounds like a communication challenge. While you acted within your rights by expressing interest in an available shift, not responding to your coworker can appear dismissive. If open scheduling is a standard practice, your actions were justified; however, discussing the situation could prevent future misunderstandings. Open dialogue fosters better workplace relationships, so consider reaching out to your coworker to discuss the situation and possibly offer an alternative solution. Maintaining positive relationships is key in any work environment.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

You were obviously free to work the shift, but you went about it in a shady way. And you know that. It would have been more appropriate to text her back, explaining that you wanted the day shift. After all, she couldn’t have stopped you from taking it because she couldn’t take it without finding someone to cover her shift first.
That was underhanded, and you know it. If you care about how she thinks of you, you should apologize for how you handled it, not what you did.

Staximus · Answer

You should have just said "sorry, I don't want to work that night shift" or something like tha. Swooping on the morning shift after she told you about it was shady. You shouldn't have done that unless you weren't going to be able to pay rent. Now that's one less person that can cover your shifts and one more enemy at work. Not very smart. You should have just stuck to the schedule.

AviatorTom · Answer

That was nasty. She most likely has a very good personal reason for wanting that day shift, and you stole it from her. Nice co-worker you are. 😐

Anonymous · Answer

Just don't ever ask her to cover any of your shifts lol

Finchie40 · Answer

Not your problem

Anonymous · Answer

I suppose it depends on why you did it.

Was I wrong or justified: Coworker text me asking if I could work her night so she can work the day shift that was open. Instead, I snatched it?

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Was I wrong or justified: Coworker text me asking if I could work her night so she can work the day shift that was open. Instead, I snatched it?

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