Thread regarding Follett layoffs

Lets be real

All of us long timers (15+ or more years) that are left working in the stores, that are doing more and making less than we should, why do we stay?

We stay because we started working for a company that valued us, and we felt valued, we were appreciated, and we have pride in doing a good job. We are not millennial's. We are middle aged, or older. We don't like change, we don't like to quit, we don't like to give up. That is the way our generation was raised. Starting over at our age is scary. Yes, there are jobs out there, but we like what we do, we just don't like who we now do it for.

We like our campus, and our students, and they like us.

So, what would we like? We want transparency. We want honesty. We want job security. Our benefits, and 401k. We want to feel like we are a person and not just a number, like we used to. We want our stores staffed properly. We want our stores looked individually to see what our needs are, and limitations. Stop shipping 48 cases of promos at the same time when we have no back room. Stop making us hold all of our inventory when we have no room. Consider our space.

And, if we have to work all weekend because of special events, know that no person should have to work 6 or 7 days every week back to back just so we can support our campus. We don't make enough to give up our family time, it shouldn't be expected. 5 day a week work days, period.

We don't want to come to Florida to hear a bunch of b---s--- lies. We know the top is heavy in this company and cuts have come from the bottom. Just admit it, don't treat us like we are stupid. We are the front line, we secure the safety of our contracts, give us a little credit.

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| 1692 views | | 18 replies (last May 28, 2018) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+T53zThZ

18 replies (most recent on top)

If you're alone in your store and need a bio break, put a sign on the door saying "Back in 5min". That's what I did when I ran a 2 person store many years ago.

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Post ID: @jets+T53zThZ

Senior Mgmt. - You get to keep your job.

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Post ID: @8gjm+T53zThZ

how can managers keep get asked to do more but with nothing in return?

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Post ID: @8ziq+T53zThZ

I am part of the Old Timers group you speak of and I understand 100% your point. Sad part is, the Ivory tower does not. Knowledgeable, loyal, and dedicated employees are not what guys for this company.

The best thing to do is be prepared. Have a great resume ready to go if and when you need it. Start looking, even if you don't intend on quitting so you have an idea of what types of jobs are out there and what you want to do.

I still hold out a bit of hope that good leadership will happen in our near future.

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Post ID: @3bow+T53zThZ

agree with original post

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Post ID: @1bhu+T53zThZ

Amen to the original post!

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Post ID: @1vxe+T53zThZ

Sometimes, you can't control change. One of those times is when management decides you make too much money. Failing to look for other work (on your campus, perhaps), is delusional. You can't control when the company finally taps you. The best thing you can do is control this tramatic change. You control where you work. You control your final day at follett. That's a realistic point of view. You're old enough to hear the truth. Act on it.

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Post ID: @1kky+T53zThZ

I am honest with my campus. I have told them I am looking to leave and why. I told them how Follett treats their employees and I haven't had a raise in years even though my store has done well. I am waiting for a position to open on campus that is right for me.

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Post ID: @1vck+T53zThZ

Post ID: @T53zThZ-1aku sounds like it was written by PD. Great managers don't have any problems even with our crappy pay and hours. If you're working 55 to 60 hours a week (with no OT because you're management) you must be incompetent. If that's true they should be fired and great managers should be hired.

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Post ID: @1tks+T53zThZ

I think that is the issue. I think the exceptions varies drastically by region and GVP!

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Post ID: @1wem+T53zThZ

When I took over my store I put in many hours to clean it up & weekends. Then I did 2 things: 1) hired a great, competent staff, got rid of the mess I inherited, they couldn’t come & go as they pleased, set their own schedule & steal food, etc. from the store anymore. 2)I realized Follett didn’t care or appreciate the work I was doing to clean up the mess they let go on for way too long, so I no longer go the extra mile, not worth it. If I am in the store by myself & need to leave, I put a sign up & go. We need to take care of ourselves first, Follett only cares about $$$, not hard working associates in the stores.

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Post ID: @1hmt+T53zThZ

Truth-I work 5 days a week, except rush and events that fall on weekends and if I work a weekend I take a day off during the week. It is rare to work over 40-45 hrs a week during regular weeks-ever. I get my work done during my work day. Other salaried employees never work over 40 except the same weeks I do (rush/events).

Our store runs smoothly.

It is one thing to have to do more because if the cuts, it is another to make less per hour for me or my staff because of cuts.

Why are managers working 55hrs normal weeks and 6 and 7 days a week?

If my regional forced me to work M-F every week and then on top of that I had to work weekends for events I would only do the M-F (except big things). It is abt training and hiring the right people.

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Post ID: @1aku+T53zThZ

Believe me, as a CMM who used to be on salary, I would much have preferred not to go hourly. I almost never worked 13 days straight but was more than willing to come in early or stay later or come in for a few hours on a day off to get my work done. Can't do that anymore. I was not being taken advantage of either. The extra hours were virtually all of my choosing.

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Post ID: @1xmq+T53zThZ

What happened to the RM from region 41? If anyone knows him, he doesn't quit or step down unless given a directive from the ivory tower. Which golden child is going to take his place?

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Post ID: @1lrq+T53zThZ

RMs policy on taking days off when you work the weekend- not sure. I just keep working my 55 hours a week. No OT for us salaried managers. Hourly managers still expect you to work weekends with them. Uhm why would I?! Excuse me, you hourly ASMs and CM managers get OT or time off during the week. Sickening.

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Post ID: @1rsb+T53zThZ

The bs big box retail mantality has to go. Wonder what osha would say about people having to be in he stores by themselves for hours at a time? No bathroom break and sometimes no lunch. All because we can not lock the doors. I agree, I stay because I enjoy what I do. But it is getting to the point of health over matter. This job is being made way more stressful than what it needs to be. Clean out the tower and support stores! CLEAN OUT THE TOWER AND SUPPORT THE STORES!!!!!

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Post ID: @fmg+T53zThZ

My RM expects managers to be in their store Monday thru Friday, regardless if you have to work the weekend. If you want to take a day off during the week you have to use vacation time. So, you could work 13 days straight, and I am not talking about rush and you are required to take vacation just to get a day off. I am sorry but this is a job not my life. It is ridiculous and I don't think the home office would agree with her tactics. Another perfect example of this company expecting more from us but not giving anything to us

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Post ID: @tgc+T53zThZ

well said

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Post ID: @zdg+T53zThZ

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