If you text in and get a response is it still disputed?
I would never do this but I don't see the problem as long as there is an acknowledgment reply from the sup.
A simple I can't make it in today with no response back should not cut it.
This is a recurring situation at my center, employees text supervisors claiming not being able to get through on the building phone. Should this be an acceptable form of calling out since there is no technical receipt of such text messages?
no way, no text... must make the call......
All that is required in our supplement is that the employee "notify" the Company. Carrier pigeon would suffice.
I think the BA has an excellent argument with the ODS because that is an SMS message using the exact same technology as cell phone text messaging. That said, I think UPS & employees should evolve to embrace other forms of communication wherever possble, and text messaging is ubiquitous today. I would say "by mutual agreement" should be the standard, and if Management doesn't want to embrace text messaging they shouldn't accept or use it themselves anywhere in the Company including ODS. I think it would be reasonable to ask that employees texting in sick should text multiple sources as the person you are texting might not be working that day. The idea is to not burden either party. I called in sick on a day I knew I was going to be having a safety ride (not to avoid the ride) and as a courtesy texted the supervisor so that he would not make the journey into work since I knew he didn't have to on that day. He was appreciative and a little courtesy goes a long way. He often texts me about simple issues we can resolve without going into the office and I do the same.
If the OP Is having attendance issues with a particular employee that could easily be resolved through the disciplinary process. Perhaps "grilling" by whomever the employee is calling in to is causing the switch to text. Perhaps that person doesn't answer in order to avoid having people call in (had that happen before, so ended up calling the 800 number which didn't dispatch a message until hours later). Calling is essentially he said/she said anyway so it's hard to argue that there is more of a "receipt" with a call than a text. I could show you my cell phone with me calling that number, but there is no proof of actual connection and none if using a home phone.
no way, no text... must make the call......
No way should a text be acceptable.
You are an adult.
Pick up the GD phone and call.
Next it will be twitter message.
My major pet peeve with this is accountability, it becomes a he said she said situation. It also opens doors for other problems (ex. alleged harassment) via text message.
Well, conversely, if the center was hit with a power outage or unforeseen disaster, a blanket text could be broadcast to all with delayed start time. Prove the message was not received and try to get paid because you reported...
actually a better question is why do they have the sups number?
Full timers I can understand why they have sups numbers and such. Many are not at the building throughout the day.
Part timers. I have no clue why sups and hourlies would need each other numbers.