3 month gig - PM says no hols not even one day!

[MrMarkyMark]

Forced Saturday working? Not allowed to be unavailable?

I'm generally quite flexible with regard to working practices (Very short notice foreign travel, working evenings etc), and perhaps I have been lucky with my past experiences in both permie and contract roles where it has generally been a request for help - rather than an "order", or perhaps the PM is overstepping the mark and will get reeled in at some point, Or in fact I could be just getting too old for that sort of working environment. But I would rather be keeping the bench warm for a few weeks than work in that sort of environment.

Is it not better to bow out gracefully citing incompatible working practices, than to get hauled over the coals for not being a good boy?

Point is, you / he should put your foot down now.
If you get this sort of thing sorted right from the outset, you will have far less problems later on.

I'm both forthright with clients and flexible, however they certainly do not dictate what I do.

[WTFH]

What does the contract say?

This is the key.


Did you/he sign a contract with a number of hours (or days) per week on it?


Are you direct with the client or through an agent?
If you're through an agent, then contact them about it.

[LondonManc]

Depends how the deal was negotiated.

If I was asked to work five days for three months and it was expected to be a full 5 day week every week and made clear at the start, then I've signed up to deliver 65 consecutive working days. If they then throw in Saturdays, that's a change to the T&Cs of the engagement and as such would need renegotiation. Higher rate, bonus on completion, whatever you want to negotiate. Very strong D&C whiffs about this.

[unixman]

My current contract says nothing of unpaid leave (they often don't) but it does say "<number of days> *maximum* days", indicating an expectation that not every calendar weekday will be worked.

Any attempt to "ban" leave or assert working hours never agreed upon obviously has no basis and has probably been illegal since 1832 or whatever. And this PM - is he the one signing timesheets and paying for the contractor ?

[jmo21]

And this PM - is he the one signing timesheets and paying for the contractor ?

the PM probably assumes they'll be doing it for free too!

[LondonManc]

My current contract says nothing of unpaid leave (they often don't) but it does say "<number of days> *maximum* days", indicating an expectation that not every calendar weekday will be worked.

Any attempt to "ban" leave or assert working hours never agreed upon obviously has no basis and has probably been illegal since 1832 or whatever. And this PM - is he the one signing timesheets and paying for the contractor ?

Agreed; for me, though, the key is knowing what commitment is expected before taking on the engagement. If you're feeling fresh and fancy the commitment then maybe a burst of working 78 out of 91 days for a good wedge could be great financially, if that's the known engagement on offer. It's a different sort of service to the "standard" office-based engagement but it's a legitimate business offer I suppose. Sounds like OP's friend is not in that position though.

[BolshieBastard]

Not me. Mate of mine. Almost a gig he got me onto as well - lucky escape....

Asked him at interview - any hols. Nope nothing substantial just odd day maybe.

Hes been there three weeks. Advised PM that 4 weeks time he wouldn't be there because of hospital appt.

PM has now said - sorry no days off at all. We've got a deadline so I need everyone there every day. And BTW you're all down to work every Saturday for the next month - not negotiable.

Mate stays away mon-fri so hes not keen on seeing his kids for just sunday once a week.

Must admit I would not be pleased !!!!!

LOL so the PM is saying your 'mate' cannot have the day off for a bona fide appointment? Id tell him to swivel on it and I wouldnt be in that day. If he wants to find someone else for the job, fine. But I'll be taking hospital appointments off thanks.

As for working saturday when you work away from home, yes, it is non negotiable. I dont do it!

Why do people take this BS?

[eek]

what is his notice period? I'd be out of there...

The notice period is probably utterly irrelevant. The terms of the contract have changed and would have to be mutually agreed. If he doesn't need the cash and doesn't mind being worked I would be telling the manager exactly where to go

[Pherlopolus]

The notice period is probably utterly irrelevant. The terms of the contract have changed and would have to be mutually agreed. If he doesn't need the cash and doesn't mind being worked I would be telling the manager exactly where to go

The contract may say "work days as defined by the PM", we don't know...

[d000hg]

what is his notice period? I'd be out of there...

He doesn't need to invoke notice, he can simply say "I am not working Saturdays" and they can decide to can him.