Read the following statement from Chandra Morris, a pet shop employee:

I love working at the pet shop—mostly. I enjoy what I do, but I do not look forward to coming to work when I’m scheduled to work the same shift as Jay. Jay goes around as if nothing is ever wrong and nothing has to be done on time.

Yesterday, I arrived at work at 8:00 a.m. to get things organized for our opening at 10:00 a.m. Jay was supposed to be here at 8:00 a.m., but he didn’t show up until 9:15 a.m. We’re supposed to clean cages and feed and water the animals. Every morning, I end up cleaning the cages by myself. Jay said it was too early in the morning for him to deal with animal droppings. He says he’ll get around to it later, once he wakes up. I asked him if he could start filling food and water bowls while I finished cleaning cages. To my surprise, he actually started filling the bowls. At 9:30 a.m., the phone rang, and Jay answered it. We’re not supposed to answer the phone until after 10:00 a.m. as the message system clicks in to tell people our hours of operation, but it was Jay’s girlfriend. After he talked for about 15 minutes, I asked Jay if he would hurry up and feed the animals as we were about ready to open the store. He said not to worry about it, that it would get done.

I should have known better. As I opened the doors at 10:00 a.m., the customers started to come in. Jay got off the phone, but he didn’t finish his duties. I proceeded to answer the customers’ questions and work the cash register until my shift was over at 4:00 p.m. I’ve asked Jay if he ever worries about losing his job because of the lack of effort, and his responses have included, “What? Me worry? No way!” and

“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Everything works out in the end.”

I’ve talked with the other employees, and they have expressed the same concern. During the week, there are only two of us on duty, so we have to work as a team to get everything done. I have lots of responsibility, including opening and closing the store, but no authority. I’ve reported my concerns to the owner, Aaron Minnick, but he only says, “Figure out a way to work together.” I’m starting to feel like the Lone Ranger. It’s always the same thing: Every time I’m scheduled to work with Jay, I end up carrying the entire load. P-987