Bigshot, Glad to see there is someone who is willing to stick up for & speak on behalf of shift managers. You must lead quite a lonely existence being the only one.
I know we all like to bitch & moan about the managements shortcomings but after years of conditioning it's not surprising .
But joking aside I'll be the first to admit I wouldn't want to do your job having to take s$%t from above & below so for now I'll settle for taking it from above only. And no doubt there are good Engineers who are now managers but unfortunately where I work the're not exactly what I'd call prolific.
After they take that first step on the ladder , it would appear the microchip they have inserted programs them to commit all sorts of misdemeanours for example;
The latest episode regarding 'Sid the unsrupulous shift manager' to come to my attention is the subject of PER books ( Personal Experience Record ) or lack of .
Several months ago our very own quality dept. took the questionable decision to change their policy on reviewing applicants PER books prior to granting company authorisations.
They entrusted Sid and a suitably qualified engineer within the hangar to carry out the afore'said review on their behalf thus reducing their own heavy workload ( allegedly).
With the onset of the JAR 66 & the deadline for 'Grandfather Rights' looming ever closer this placed Sid at top of the class in the eyes of his overseers . But although his entire shift of technicians are now 'qualified' & their practical experience effectively waivered it transpires that no-one bothered to tell him that at any time quality could still demand a small percentage and sample some of the PER books already passed .
"Oooops! But I told the lads not to bother .Quick get that damn photocopier working again . I only need one book to keep them interfering b#$%@#ds of my back".