Need Advise: Employer requiring usage of personal cell phone

[Cajungaltx]

My DH works for AT&T. A while back, during an install at a fairly expensive house, the company provided phone that was attached to his belt clip, snagged on a rafter, and very neatly dropped down into the walls of said customers house.

To retrieve the phone would have cost more than to just get him a new phone (in AT&T's estimate). It's been a month - and he's had to use his personal phone for work. They did not have a 'backup'. He is not the only tech with this issue. There is another tech who is currently having to use HIS personal phone as well.

As of today, my husband has used up all of the minutes in our plan, and is currently being charged by the minute.

He inquired of his manager, on whether they will reimburse him for having to use his personal phone, and was told by a manager: Who lost it? He didn't LOSE the phone - he knows exactly where it's at. But AT&T determined that they would replace it because THEIR cost to fix the wall (cut out sheet rock, etc) would be more than replacing the phone.

I told him to leave the phone at home tomorrow - sorry, it's broke.

I am pissed and I need suggestions in providing him something to take to his manager to show HER that he is not required to use his personal cell phone, and any charges incurred as a result of doing his job, on behalf of AT&T are AT&T's to pay - not his.

Suggestions? Input?

[Truckman]

Just tell them his personal phone is not available for company use just like company equipment is not available for his personal use...Ben

[hotshot38]

What did we do before we had cellphones? People have a hard time imagining it, but we DID work without them, AND without the internet or email.

I'm having a hard time figuring out why a PHONE COMPANY can't supply a PHONE. If it was 'lost' or damaged in the process of carrying out company business it should be a no brainer. It's not like he left it on the roof of the car and drove off.

Just my two cents.

[KJ Smith]

He has a Union. He needs to let his rep. handle this.

Kevin

[brad]

"No"

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by hotshot38

I'm having a hard time figuring out why a PHONE COMPANY can't supply a PHONE.

It is probably not considered the same "company".

I think U-Verse people are not considered ATT internally. They have a separate contract. Your U verse bill comes separate from your land line bill.

This is why his rep should step in. A lot of local managers in the phone business try to push their weight around.

Kevin

[LonestarMan]

As a manger of the wireless division of said company, I must be careful, but... Loosing his phone is no different than loosing a screwdriver. It is the company's responsibility to replace it and not up to the employee to furnish his own screwdriver. As a manager I appreciate that the employee is willing to use his personal cell phone until we get him a replacement. As someone said, we are still different companies and I understand that this may take some time. I also understand the managers in other divisions seem more reluctant to spend company money than I do. If your DH will be incurring cost for using his phone than by all means leave it at home. I would not be surprised to see AT&T tear out the wall for $1500 to save $100. I've worked here for 20 years and I'm surprised ever day. Amazing....

Feel free to PM me.

[dbphotos]

Say "NO" or buy a $10 AT&T Go Phone @ Wal Mart and give it to his boss to put an active SIM card in and it will replace the one he lost.

[BEphoto]

What's a DH just outta curiosity. I can tell from the context that's it's probably your significant other, just wondering what the acronym is. I've seen it used a lot on this forum actually!

To stay on topic though, I don't think there is any reason he should have to use personal property for company use. Like you said, he didn't exactly lose it.

[AndrewCCM]

DH is one of those terms the Inet Ladies seem to be using these days.. I believe it stands for Dear Husband. Not to be confused with BF, BFF, BFD, LOL, etc.. hehe

[raevyncent]

My recommendation is to go to your employer's HR website, and find a contact for your region and department. I am certain they will not hesitate to provide your managers with additional "training" on how to handle a situation like this. (It worked for me!)

[Ahh!]

You don't have to take anything to HER, except you DH has to follow company policy on filing an expense report for any minutes not provided by HER failure to provide the proper tools for him to do his job.
Nobody wants to lose their job about now. I understand the DH's reluctance to push the issue. But...
If "the company" ruled that recovery was more expensive than replacement, then "they" (obviously) figured in the delay of providing that replacement and can pay for his generous offer to provide them with his personal tools (phone/airtime) until they can get their (and HER) act together. I don't know if this is "HER" or "the company", but "they" are jerking you both around for something that costs them less than a screwdriver to replace.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by raevyncent

My recommendation is to go to your employer's HR website, and find a contact for your region and department. I am certain they will not hesitate to provide your managers with additional "training" on how to handle a situation like this. (It worked for me!)

Uh huh!

[rbalcom]

My advice would be to let your DH decide how to handle it and not to give him a hard time about it. While it is not fair or right, and the manager may well need some training, he has to go to work everyday and exist in that environment. It is wise to pick your fights carefully because the cost of winning some may not be worth it in the long run.

Hopefully, this thread let you vent.

[Truckman]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

DH is one of those terms the Inet Ladies seem to be using these days.. I believe it stands for Dear Husband. Not to be confused with BF, BFF, BFD, LOL, etc.. hehe

My ex-wife kept referring to me as AH...What is that supposed to mean, I wonder......Ben