Downgrading Boss

Dear Ellie,

I was at work today and got told I'm an idiot by boss. Only because I didn't fully understand what she meant. She had told me to use the tape recorder every time a customer comes to the register because the audio doesn't work on the cameras. I figured they just wanted to make sure we were offering our specials like we should. Turns out we were suppose to play it on the intercom when someone pumps at the gas pump before paying. Well she basically called me an idiot because I miss understood her directions. I tried to explain to her if maybe she worded it better then maybe I would have done that instead of recording over and over. If we do something wrong on our shift we get a phone call early in the morning and get yelled at. Now we get written up for something that is not preventable. I'm sick of being downgraded. I want to call human resources but I fear if I do she'll make my life at work a living hell, like dock my hours. I heard stories about it but recently noticed it was true. One of the guys I work with called human resources on her and got his hours docked all the way down to 4 hours. He decided to not even show up because it wasn't worth the gas and quit. I don't want to quit but I don't want my hours docked. I really need this job. If you or any of your followers have advice I'd love to here it because I am stuck.

-Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place, FL


Dear Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place,

No employer has the right to treat you like dirt. It is against the law to dock someones hours because you're mad at them. Sounds like she needs to grow up and mature, it's the workplace not high school. I would call HR anonymously and inform them what is happening and try to get other employees to do the same. Tell your District Manager also what is going on. If you have to prove it tell them to send some one undercover as an employee to see what is going on or record your conversations. If you feel like you need a new job, go for it and start looking because it's not healthy to be downgraded like that all the time. I hope everything works out for you.

Sincerely,
Ellie Mae