Transcript 3: Trainees

Bill

Let’s figure out when to schedule our trainees. We have Gerhard, Loan, and Wilma. Management wants us to use them, mostly because they have not yet completed probation and their wages are a little less.

Juanita

But first we need to get some idea of how many hours we should give them. Management has allotted 234 hours for cashiers next week.

Bill

We have three full time cashiers who need at least 32 hours. So 96 hours should go to them. And we have six part-timers who probably want 20 hours each. . . . . that makes 120 hours for them.

Juanita

So 234 subtract 96 subtract 120 leaves about 18 hours for our three trainees. That’s not much work.

Bill

I think for this week, we need to concentrate in keeping our senior staff happy. If we have some extra hours that need filling, we will then call on the trainees.

Juanita

But won’t some of the trainees be unhappy with this?

Bill

Probably! But giving scheduling priority to our senior employees helps them stay motivated. . . . . It’s true that a trainee may quit because they aren’t getting enough hours, but they also know that they will get preference if they gain some seniority some day.

Juanita

You have a point. Besides, the trainees can always pick up extra shifts if a regular employee cannot make it. They need only keep their cell phone on so we can call them in.

Bill

So let’s leave scheduling the trainees until we have scheduled the part-time timers. If there’re some extra time slots, we will give them to the trainees.