WWYD - Work Issue

[curious3069]

Maybe she refuses because cleaning bathrooms was not part of her job description.

I can't believe all the people who think she is wrong. Why should she be required to clean toilets? She's not a cleaning lady. Let the owner or his wife clean the dirty toilets if they are too cheap to hire an office cleaning service.

OP-I have never, nor would I ever work in any office that asked me to do this. That's disgusting and I wouldn't do it. (I would, however, be willing to clean up the coffee area.)

If I were willing to clean toilets for a living, I would work as a cleaning lady. You would make double the money she makes now.

She is required because it is now part of her job description. If she doesn't want to do it, she doesn't have to, but then she quits or is fired. Her choice.

 

[NHdisneylover]

There are many who are waiting in line for a job as a cleaning lady here. Obviously this isn't a job that the OP needs to keep a roof over her head.

There are some hard limits I have when considering keeping a job. I'm in an administrative field just like the OP. But I won't kill anything (including animals, excepting bugs), sleep with the boss, or traumatize another human being. Domestic housework OTJ, even bathrooms, isn't one of my hard limits. If it were a choice between starving or cleaning a company bathroom, I'd clean the bathroom and be grateful it isn't a barn stall.

Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do, OP.

Yeah, being morally opposed to doing something is a bit different than just hating doing it

 

[Mickey's Minion]

You really see no difference between vacuuming and scrubbing out a public toilet?

I am amazed so many disagree with the OP. What if she had been hired for a job and specifically asked if there was any out of town travel. They assured her no, there isn't. Then suddenly it became part of the job. Would she still not be a "team player" or acting like a "princess" if she refused to travel? What if you are hired at a gym as a personal trainer but they said we need you to work in the daycare once a week? Most people have job "deal breakers". For the OP it is scrubbing toilets. For others it is travel. For others it might be working nights. I see nothing wrong with her standing her ground. She was NOT hired to be a maid.

No, I don't see anything different between vacuuming and scrubbing a public toilet, if it is a duty that is being added to all job descriptions.

The OP says the boss is cheap. What if he is trying to save a few jobs by cutting back on extras like a cleaning service? I would venture to guess that in this economy and the sprouting of a Starbucks on every corner, the home expresso machine business is not exactly booming right now.

Everybody does have their "deal breakers." But that does not mean that they can just refuse to do their job. Deal breakers are just choices. If the job you are asked to do evolves enough so that it now has some deal breakers associated with it, you are absolutely free to make the choice to find another job.

If she was being singled out as the only one having bathroom duty added to her job description, then I would agree with her that she was being singled out and should stand her ground.

However, since everybody is required to perform the extra chores, every employee is being asked to chip in and share the burden.

She can choose to do it or choose to leave. It is completely her choice.

 

[metalis4ever]

OP - Do you need the job? If so then I would definitely suck it up and clean. If not then walk out.

I had a similar situation happen to me when I took a second job part time to fund our yearly trip to Disney ...I worked for 6 hours on my first day then the manager came up to me and was like "The cleaner didn't show up today, so since you are low man on the totem pole here you go" and handed me a mop and pointed to the cleaning closet. I replied by handing the mop back to her along with my name tag and said "yeah I'm not $40,000 in debt from college to clean toilets, have a nice day"

Having said that if for some reason my real job asked me to clean toilets, I would.

It all comes down to you, nothing anyone says on here is going to make a difference. If you want to keep your job then be a team player, if not move on.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, I will jump in here....

OP: I am completely and totally on YOUR side!!!!

You asked WWYD...
You did not ask to be judged and called all kinds of nasty names!!!
There is NO justification for some of these posts here.

IMHO, in no way does not having the ability or desire to clean a public restroom imply any kind of negative label or name calling.
You accepted the position under specific terms, 'no cleaning'... It is not like you are trying to pull something.
I can tell you that I would not be happy to be cleaning toilets either.

I am actually wondering if you may have some personal issues that mean that you just can't and won't. This is probably a lot more common than one might think.

What would I do....
If I thought that I could have a private conversation with the owner, and that this would not be spread around the workplace, I might possibly attempt to have a reasonable discussion.... (only you know these people and how they are likely to react.)

If I had any concerns at all that this would get around the workplace and cause a lot of ill-will with coworkers... and YES, it is likely to do that... Then I would simply turn in my two week notice. And, I would indeed be looking for another position, asking at interviews for detailed job description requirements...... If the owners press for a more specific reason, then you can tell them, again, that with the change in job duties expected, that you feel that you can no longer fulfill the requirements of the job...

THIS IS, ACTUALLY, YOUR ISSUE, AND NOT THEIRS.... IT REALLY IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM IF YOU FEEL UNABLE TO DO THE ADDITIONAL JANITORIAL DUTIES. SO, YOU SHOULD JUST SIMPLY 'OWN' THAT. YOU NEED TO TAKE OWNERSHIP HERE. POINTING FINGERS ACCOMPLISHES NOTHING.

YOUR CURRENT STRATEGY OF MAKING THEM FIRE YOU IS COMING FROM THE WRONG DIRECTION. TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR OWN PERSONAL DESIRES/ISSUES.

TALK TO THEM IF YOU MUST, BUT THEN I WOULD ADVISE THAT 'YOU' MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION ON WHETHER TO STAY OR GO. ONCE THIS BECOMES ANY KIND OF A SORE POINT, YOU WILL NOT BE LEAVING UNDER GOOD TERMS... NO MATTER WHAT.

PS: I would seek a position where there there are janitorial positions on staff or on contract... this would be most likely to solve your issues.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Wishing on a star, that was an outstanding post.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Job duties are never static from the day you interview.

As people come and go in companies, jobs change to meet the needs of the company. This happens from the janitor to the president of any company. My husband is an executive with a fortune 500 company. As layoffs and attrition happen, his job changes as others absorb those duties. As long as the new duties aren't life threatening, it is all part of being a team player. You either do your job, new duties and all, or you if you don't like it, you are free to find a new job. That is the way it works in the working world of grownups.

If this is a task that is being asked of all employees, all their job descriptions are changing. You won't have a leg to stand on with the unemployment board.

Sorry, but under $10 an hour, part time employees are abundant. And there are plenty that are willing to be a team player. With your sweet hours of 10-2, this is a perfect job for a parent with kids in school. I am sure there would be people lined up at the door to not only do the job, but to also be willing to do whatever necessary. Your boss has the upper hand in this. Any employee is expendable, especially in this economy.

If you want to keep your job, I would get over yourself.

If you want info on how to present it to your boss:

Write up a letter of resignation
Go into your boss and say, "I don't do bathrooms"
Hand in letter of resignation.

Oh please tell me what Fortune 500 company has it's executives cleaning toilets at night or during the day? That would really make a great story for the 5 o'clock news and I am sure the stockholders would love to know how they are saving money for the company by using the executive pool in all capacities!

Do the executive husbands/wives continue their cleaning chores once they get home?

You are talking apples and oranges. My husband worked for one of those companies. It went through all of the downsizing and layoffs too. Before he left he was doing the job of 5 people. But none of those 5 included anyone from the cleaning crew.

You are too funny...

 

[luvsJack]

You know, I am really sorry that there is anyone in this country out of work. I really am and I wish I could help to make sure they all go back to work. BUT--its really not fair to expect everyone to go around "oh, will I do this disgusting thing that is not a part of my job?" 'Sure, because there are people in other states that are out of work". I mean, really, its like "eat all your liver because there are starving children in Africa".

Sorry, I do not plain to be treated any old way the boss thinks is ok because someone somewhere doesn't have a job. And I don't think its really fair to expect no one to ever have a gripe about their job because of it either.


OP, talk to your boss about your job description and remind him that you specifically asked about cleaning the bathrooms. I wouldn't clean the ones in my place of employment either. I do things that are not a really part of my job but there is a limit.

Most office jobs around here that expect some office cleaning to be done will say in the description "light housekeeping duties" and these usually include emptying the trash can, dusting and vacuuming. Cleaning bathrooms is usually not considered "light housekeeping duties".

If he fires you over cleaning a bathroom, maybe next time he needs to hire a cleaning person not an office person. But, most bosses are not going to fire you over something like this. Contrary to popular belief, most are a bit more careful about just wily-nily firing folks. Most bosses do not want to spend a great deal of time dealing with the employment office (and even if you don't get the unemployment, he will still have to deal with it) and they don't want to take any chances of getting sued over it.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

As someone else pointed out, job descriptions change all the time.

If you chose not to do the job, quit or be fired.

Yes, job descriptions can change, but you can argue that cleaning toilets is not part of an office job unless it was in the job description or you agreed to it when you were hired.

If they can expand the job description at anytime to anything can they include babysitting the boss' kids or washing his car?

Sorry, but how many people that work in the NJ Unemployment office or any government office would be willing to clean the public toilets as part of their job? So how would they be justified in denying her unemployment benefits if she were fired?

If she is fired, then she should look around for a good attorney. I know I would.

What happens if the OP is allergic to cleaning products? Or is a germaphobe? I am sure some argument can be made on her behalf in this matter.

I have worked in many different companies over the years. The smallest was an 8 person office to the largest in the country. I have never, ever been required to clean the bathrooms. That was not my job. And that included when I worked part-time after school as a lowly cashier in a supermarket making $1.60 per hour. I was never told to clean a toilet. Nor would I.

 

[RadioFanatic]

[/B]

Are you serious? So, what you are saying is no mater what you are asked to do at a job you are required to do it? And if you don't you are a *snowflake?*

Well then, call me a snowball.

Maybe in other parts of the country cleaning toilets goes hand-in-hand with office duties, but not in any office/business I've ever worked at.

And it's great to know that my waitress may have been cleaning commodes before she served my table. I think I'll eat home from now on...

I'm right with you Ciao!

 

[curious3069]

You know, I am really sorry that there is anyone in this country out of work. I really am and I wish I could help to make sure they all go back to work. BUT--its really not fair to expect everyone to go around "oh, will I do this disgusting thing that is not a part of my job?" 'Sure, because there are people in other states that are out of work". I mean, really, its like "eat all your liver because there are starving children in Africa".

Sorry, I do not plain to be treated any old way the boss thinks is ok because someone somewhere doesn't have a job. And I don't think its really fair to expect no one to ever have a gripe about their job because of it either.


OP, talk to your boss about your job description and remind him that you specifically asked about cleaning the bathrooms. I wouldn't clean the ones in my place of employment either. I do things that are not a really part of my job but there is a limit.

Most office jobs around here that expect some office cleaning to be done will say in the description "light housekeeping duties" and these usually include emptying the trash can, dusting and vacuuming. Cleaning bathrooms is usually not considered "light housekeeping duties".

If he fires you over cleaning a bathroom, maybe next time he needs to hire a cleaning person not an office person. But, most bosses are not going to fire you over something like this. Contrary to popular belief, most are a bit more careful about just wily-nily firing folks. Most bosses do not want to spend a great deal of time dealing with the employment office (and even if you don't get the unemployment, he will still have to deal with it) and they don't want to take any chances of getting sued over it.

I disagree completely. As a boss I have no problem firing someone who needs to be fired. If I made cleaning a job duty of every employee and one came to me and reminded me of what was said in the interview, it would not end well for that employee.

I don't think you are understanding that cleaning is now part of her job, regardless of the job description when she started. And this is not about her complaining, it's about refusing to do work. I wouldn't want to clean toilets either, but I'd do it (and in fact have...and I'm the CFO) I still don't get why the OP feels the need to be "right" about this. If she doesn't want to clean or if the job no longer fits what she wants, then quit. It's not a right or wrong situation.

 

[Nennie]

I wouldn't clean public toilets either. If that makes me a snob, so be it.

OP -I would talk to your boss and say that you are uncomfortable (or even grossed out) by the thought of cleaning toilets. I would further say, that you don't want to be perceived as not being a "team player" if other coworkers are perfectly fine with cleaning toilets though. Ask if there is a compromise that can be reached, and put the ball back in the boss' court to come up with a new idea.

If boss refuses to back down, and insists that you clean, then I would start sending out resumes. I would also tell boss, in a nice way, that you are sending out resumes seeking a position that does not involve cleaning toilets.

Good luck!!

 

[Mickey's Minion]

Oh please tell me what Fortune 500 company has it's executives cleaning toilets at night or during the day? That would really make a great story for the 5 o'clock news and I am sure the stockholders would love to know how they are saving money for the company by using the executive pool in all capacities!

Do the executive husbands/wives continue their cleaning chores once they get home?

You are talking apples and oranges. My husband worked for one of those companies. It went through all of the downsizing and layoffs too. Before he left he was doing the job of 5 people. But none of those 5 included anyone from the cleaning crew.

You are too funny...

Hmmm, trying to see where I said DH was cleaning toilets.

It is all relative.

In a large company, you may assume the duties of 5 other employees. For instance, as part of cost savings, all secretaries and administrative assistants may be eliminated. I can just picture the look on the CEO's face when the VP comes to him and says "Answering my own phone is beneath me, I won't do it. It wasn't in my original job description" That VP would be out the door in a heartbeat. In a company with only 8 people, an added duty may be to share cleaning duties if the cleaning service has been cut.

The OP is not having her hours changed, is not losing pay, and is not being singled out.

Everybody is being assigned chore duty.

She can either do it, refuse and be fired, or quit.

In a case like this, you may not like your new duties, but they are still your new duties. If they are a deal breaker, you are free to find a new job.

Employees that think certain jobs are beneath their status are tomorrow's unemployed. It is an employer's market out there. An employer can just about have whoever he wants for a job whenever he wants.

You are the one being too funny. I assume you have not been in the corporate world much?

 

[JoiseyMom]

Do you never ever use the potty either?

Yes, but not every day. I am usually to busy to leave my office and take the break.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I wouldnm't want to clean the bathroom, either, but rather than flat-out refuse, I'd askt he boss if he'd be willing to provide cotnainers of Clorox wipes and direct that all employees wipe down the bathroom after they use it, and maybe then the bathroom wouldn't get too dirty and he can afford a 2x a week cleaning service or something? I'd also insist on disposable latex gloves being available in the bathroom so you don't have to actually touch anything that is soiled.

I'd just suck it up and clean the coffee area. I very, very rarely use the microwaves here in my office, but I do tidy them up (heat water, make steam, wipe the inside down) whenever I do use them, which is more than most of the deadbeats around here do. And this office is, for the most part, comprised of attorneys.

The issue of the mess in the women's bathroom is with the techs, that is where they dump the cups they use and pour out the coffee etc. I have no idea what goes on in the mens room, I go in there for office supplies only (yes they have shevles in there for supplies) .

And if the same people won't clean up after they make themseves a shot of espresso/latte etc..what makes you think they will clean up after themselves in the bathroom??

 

[happygirl]

OP did you talk to your boss today, I was just wondering how it went.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I was not quite sure I would reply, but I will be flamed and so be it. I have read some of her posts and one of them was she was in fear of her husband losing his job. But he took the job. So was your husband willing to take a job to provide for his family? Did he do what he needed to do?

You come here asking for peoples opionions, and when they are given and it is not what you want to hear you start yelling at people. Why? You want some one to tell you, you are right. If you are not worried about losing the job you would not be on here asking people there opionions. You will do what you want to do no matter what anyone says.

I could go on about a few of your other posts. But people can read for themselves. So the next time you need to find a place to use a restroom and it is not fit to use don't make a complaint because it may be that it is not someones job to do it. JO

Yes, my DH was afraid he was going to lose his job, thankfully he didn't. ANd I have done more then my share over my marriage and before my marriage to take care of my family. I have been working since I was 13/14 years old. I have worked 80 hours a week of lower level jobs at one point to provide for my family and keep a roof over my head.

Hmmm...so I can't complain about a dirty public rest room because I refuse to clean one?? LMAO!! DIdn't realize that was a requirement for complaints.

I have a house, with 2 1/2 bathrooms, a bunch of bedrooms, lots of carpet and 5 furry animals. I do LOTS of cleaning, and I get annoyed enough at home at the lack of help from my DH or my kids. I HATE HATE housework with a passion. I do it cause I have to...but it is my home.

Work for me is an escape..and a way to have intelligent converation and its something for me. It gets me outta my HOME. I took a job I liked and wanted to do. Do I need the money...yes..will I lose my house if I don't have it...no?

Everyone has things they won't do... I don't do work bathrooms... I guess I should be shot!! Maybe the death penalty??

I have to say when I was in college..they never had a course on bathroom cleaning 101...so maybe it is my fault for getting a BS instead of a cleaning degree?? LOL

 

[JoiseyMom]

There are many who are waiting in line for a job as a cleaning lady here. Obviously this isn't a job that the OP needs to keep a roof over her head.

There are some hard limits I have when considering keeping a job. I'm in an administrative field just like the OP. But I won't kill anything (including animals, excepting bugs), sleep with the boss, or traumatize another human being. Domestic housework OTJ, even bathrooms, isn't one of my hard limits. If it were a choice between starving or cleaning a company bathroom, I'd clean the bathroom and be grateful it isn't a barn stall.

Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do, OP.

I won't kill bugs either...ick ..I scream and run...LOL. If the boss was cute I would sleep with him first before I did his bathroom..LOL!!!

 

[JoiseyMom]

No, I don't see anything different between vacuuming and scrubbing a public toilet, if it is a duty that is being added to all job descriptions.

The OP says the boss is cheap. What if he is trying to save a few jobs by cutting back on extras like a cleaning service? I would venture to guess that in this economy and the sprouting of a Starbucks on every corner, the home expresso machine business is not exactly booming right now.

Everybody does have their "deal breakers." But that does not mean that they can just refuse to do their job. Deal breakers are just choices. If the job you are asked to do evolves enough so that it now has some deal breakers associated with it, you are absolutely free to make the choice to find another job.

If she was being singled out as the only one having bathroom duty added to her job description, then I would agree with her that she was being singled out and should stand her ground.

However, since everybody is required to perform the extra chores, every employee is being asked to chip in and share the burden.

She can choose to do it or choose to leave. It is completely her choice.

Umm...he is cheap cause he is cheap. His office staff is as small as it can get at this point. And if you mention starbucks to one of our customers they would cringe and puke! THis is a slow time for us, but we sold over 11k in machines in 1 day last week. We do sell things other then machines.

We are out of stock for one machine that is due back in August and I have over 20 preorders for it. When we got it in APril we sold out in 3 days (over 200 machines). Espresso addicts want the best, and that isn't Starbucks. I prefer dunkin donuts myself .

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Umm...he is cheap cause he is cheap...

I have lived by a policy my entire life - never insult the people that are paying my bills. Loyalty still matters.