9 When Barrett speaks up

“I don’t get what you mean ma’am, can you please elaborate? What does it have to do with my shift being removed?” I am flustered and agitated over these ridiculous things I’ve been hearing from the regional manager.

Favoritism? Me?

“As I’ve said, the late manager dotes on you giving more schedule than the other regulars that I’ve received a few reports on already.” Then she looked at the staff who’s sitting with us, as if urging her to talk, she got the signal and spoke. “The truth is, the other regulars are complaining about the distribution of schedule. It seems you get more regular shifts than most of the others.”

“I get more fixed shifts? Aren’t they the ones who complain at night shift and I have no choice to clock in because I was listed on their behalf?”

“It’s true that most of the staff don’t like night shifts, however, I heard, from one of the team leaders, it’s unusual for a part timer to get a fixed six-hour shift, when it’s supposed to be a four-hour duty instead.” Upon hearing this, my mood totally sunk, now it's the number of hours? How much more of it do they have on me?

“I never asked for the fixed-hour shifts, I only attended the assigned duties without complaint, how is it that I’ve been in favor of the late Manager?”

“It’s because everytime one refuses or asks for a change sched he always calls your name first or writes you in. That’s how most of us think he’s in more favor of you.” 

“Wait… Isn’t it unreasonable to  assume it that way? Of course I am a part timer and that’s my purpose as a reliever for unexpected changes in schedule.” feeling irritated at the way they read it like that, I glare at my co-staff, I am feeling stuffy upon hearing this

“That’s true but!” she  paused as if hesitating to tell me, something has been holding her back.

“Go on, spill it all.” I urge’.

“It's… You’ve never been disciplined or yelled at by Manager Greg.” What!?

“He has a strict personality and always points out every single thing we do. Even a little mistake would make an endless list of your faults.”

“Isn’t it his job as a manager to check on his people? And how come you say he never was strict to me? He even clocks me out early with an unpaid half hour!”

“It’s just one of them! One of the staff also heard how Manager dotes on you, like yesterday. He even specially told you your shift and assigned the fixed hour schedule! He’s never been like that to anyone of us before”

I bite on my lips, trying not to shout my anger at her, I never thought that having to go on the flow and perceiving it as if nothing would backfire to me. I never complained and believed that if I just worked hard, someday they would notice all of my efforts. How did it end up this way?

It’s only one thing… Jealousy.

“I think there's just a misunderstanding here with the staff. Manager Gregory has shown favors with Adelaide and she’s also a victim because she doesn’t know what's happening, the others find faults in it. Maybe he’s just been too generous of her seeing she’s young and as a part timer is in need.” The regional manager’s remarks make me angrier.

“I know you are not aware of Barrett, but can’t you be more sensible? We are all working here and trying our hardest but you… You’re taking it too lightly! “  I don’t get it, is this the same girl who smiled and offered me some fries earlier?  Is this how the other staff see me?

I could feel that the other store that’s been packed with customers now has a calmer environment and some of the on duty staff passing by us must have sensed the heated conversation with these two . It means the peak hour has died down now. 

I am feeling awful at how they come up with such things. It is not my fault that the manager relied on me when the staff are being too picky. Even if I have classes I accept the unexpected duty because I only have two more months left on my contract as a part timer. I have to earn for the step family and save money because I don’t know when I will be able to take another part time job that is aligned with my class schedule. 

I worked hard to memorize every standard and even the tiniest details on this job because I don’t want to get reprimanded, I carefully prepare the products so it will not be charged on my minimum rated salary. I endured the night shifts and did well with endorsements so the morning shift will not find faults in me that will lead them to complaining.

All of the things I've done so far are twisted like this?

How could I confront the dead man and tell him that I have nothing to do with this favoritism?

No.

That's not it.

Even if he was alive and I explain my part, these people have their mind fixed on it.

I took a deep breath and held onto the necklace my mom gave me. I try to ease my mind.

Never speak when you’re angry, for it will pour out all your emotions and you might speak hurtful words that you will regret after. 

As I feel the cool breeze of the air conditioner, I look at the manager and my co-worker.

“I see that it has come to this and that it can’t be undone.”

“You see, no need to apol---” I cut off the manager as she talked.

“However, I am not totally at fault here.” Both of them looked at me in surprise.

“If the staff did their job well, they won’t get reprimanded. If they aren’t picky with the schedule, they could get good shifts after.” I won’t accept the fact they throw all the blame at me now that the late manager is no longer here, how could they speak ill of the dead?

“And besides, if you were to change the schedule, shouldn’t you have given me a notice first before doing so?” I raised an eyebrow not backing down on her. I can see the surprise on her face, it’s the first time I ever talk back to any of them.

They have always seen the timid and quiet Barrett Adelaide, this will be the last time.

“You - !” the manager gritted her teeth, got it pointed out right?

Without letting them speak another word to slander my hard work I stood up. I think it’s the second time for today, I won’t let them get the upper hand. 

“I will let it pass since it’s the first time it happened and Manager seems to be still in shock with our late Manager’s death. I think you still have a few more things to fix on this store, maybe you can start today with those speculated rumors.” 

“Barrett, why are you like that and sit down, I don’t like you talking down on me.” I could sense the anger on Manager but I won’t back down. Before she even got the story from my point of view, she already listened to the one-sided reports she received and was convinced of those rumors about me.

“DIdn’t you talk down on me first by not hearing my side?” with this, it will leave her speechless.

“I am just a part timer, yes, but shouldn’t you have talked to me about this issue? I am just doing my job and trying to learn if this is how you treat your workers, what happened to the employee relations in the company?”

“Barrett, that’s…” Giving her a chance to defend but it seems like she lost for words, she knows she has her own fault and I nailed it.

“I think there’s nothing more to speak of, I will see if I can go on my schedule four days from now since I have class on that day. Maybe you can assign those other regulars from dayshift on that day then. I’ll be going.”

With my head held high I walk out of the store not even caring for the stare of the other people nor other staff on duty.