employment law query - change in working hours

[LBD]

Would appreciate any advice on the following...
I work in a large multinational in Dublin and have been here since 2006. One of the big benefits of working here is flexitime, core hours being 10am to 3.30pm.
Its an admin role, and as part of it myself and another girl in similar role (girl X!) cover reception while receptionist on lunch. Receptionists hours are 9am to 5.30pm.
Recently however new HR manager (hands up who hates HR :mad suggested the receptionist move to flexible hours also which would mean that myself X and maybe a couple of others would then have to rotate cover of reception from 3.30 - 5.30pm if receptionist wanted to bugger off early. WTF???
Myself and X are soooooooooo p*ssed off at the prospect, as this would be a big change to our working terms. Nothing has been discussed or agreed so I want to be prepared with where we stand.
Whats most annoying is that the receptionist took on the role knowing the hours, in the same way we did, so that was her choice. So for her to move to flexibile hours is a big perk for her, one person, but a huge negative for us. And dont get me wrong, its not a personal thing about our receptionist, shes lovely, but of course if theres a chance to get flexitime she'll jump at it.
:mad::mad::mad:
So yes, this is a semi rant/let off steam, but also want to see if anyone can advise me as to whether the company has the right to make that change if we disagree with it, and it goes against terms of original contract (which I cannot find of course).
Thanks for any help......

 

[ontour]

In flexi-time contracts that I have seen there is also a clause that you should be available for activities outside the core hours as required. So for example a meeting can be arranged at 4pm and you are expected to attend even though it is outside core hours.

If you currently come in every day at 7.30 and leave at 4pm and have made arrangements around that, then you have a legitimate concern. Best place to start is to see what the three people want from the flexible hours and whether sharing can work easily.

 

[Purple]

I'd ask for a copy of your contract. It will all depend on what's in it about your hours.

BTW, can you not come to an agreement between you about what hours you work on what days etc? It's nice to be nice.

 

[becky]

Do you not think it's a bit unfair one group of staff have flexi time while another doesn't or worse again only one person. I take it from your post, you and the other staff members who cover the desk at lunch have flexi.

As purple said read your contract, if your contract states your starting times and finishing time, any changes will need to be agreed.

If you agree to changes (which I think you should, but I work in HR so I would say that), there should be some rules that ensure there is a fair system in place so that no one can 'bugger' off when they feel like it.