A bullied worker

[gizmoracer]

Hi guys.

I know this is not related but I am sooooo wound up about this one I wanted to know what everybody else thought. As you may or may not know and dare I say it in the present state of things but my hubby is a postman. I won't get into the political side of things but things in his office here in Watford have become more and more out of control recently and something potentially fatal happened yesterday that I have just found in the Daily Mirror. What do you lot think of it all?

www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2007/09/29/mail-bosses-call-cops-to-dispute-with-staff-89520-19866776/

incase the link doesn't work

Mail bosses call cops to dispute with staff

EXCLUSIVE By Clinton Manning Business Editor 29/09/2007


Police were called to a row between postal workers and bosses which nearly ended in tragedy yesterday.

A pregnant employee sent home early during the heat of the dispute survived a crash on the M1. Vicky Tomlin, 31, was lucky to escape unhurt from the wreck of her car.

The row was at the Watford Mail Centre, where there is a work-to-rule over pay.

Managers ordered 15 posties home, claiming they were not working properly. Union leaders say the workers stayed and bosses called police, who refused to get involved.

Advertisement
Staff not usually expected to deliver mail were asked to do so, including Ms Tomlin.

She said: "It's crazy asking me to do a delivery round. I'm eight months pregnant. They are bullying people."

Her union advised her to go to avoid the stress of confrontations - and she was involved in the crash.

She said: "It was terrifying. A lorry clipped my car and I hit the barrier and a truck."

The Royal Mail denied bullying and said: "We have zero tolerance against it."

Oh yes and for the record the dispute is FAR more important than just pay

[winegirl]

I can't believe they would ask a woman who is 8 months pregnant to do a post round! I could barely walk round the house at 8 months, the poor love.

How awful that things should end up like this. How does your OH feel about it all now?

Winegirl x

[gizmoracer]

I agree its inhumane isn't it. I found out this morning that she is still in hospital but both her and baby are fine,she did however write the car off, so one very luck lady by all accounts. Apparently this week coming was supposed to be her last week at work before going on maternity leave.

I think hubby is just numb by it all now, he is still suffering the effects of the meningitis last year so getting a new job is out of the question and to top it off he doesn't drive either. He tried to explain SOME of the debate to me last night. There are 3 main bits that I remembered,

• 1 Was that the Door 2 Doors (the junk mail the posties HAVE to deliver) they will no longer be paid for including the election stuff (that is 4-5p per item) they usually have 3 lots per week but now they will be given an average of 8 lots per week but not be paid for it.
  
  
• 2 When someone from their van is off sick or holiday the other posties on the van have to do that persons work between them for no extra pay.
  
  
• 3 They will be FORCED to work the hours the manages tell them to, with only 24 hrs notice. This means that they can be asked to work a 12 hr day, work a night shift with only 24 hrs notice AND they are going to mess about with the weekly hours so when the work load is light they will do 30 hrs a week but when the work load is heavy they will be doing 50 hrs a week.
  

So you can see its not all pay related, there is alot more on top of that that I don't really understand. They have been balloted for strike action again this week and no-one knows what to do. They don't want to strike coz its causing horrendous strain on everyones finances (there are alot of couples both working for RM, its worse for them of coarse), also what has the strikes accomplished so far well not alot really, but on the other hand would you settle for the above?

Sorry I'm waffling

[Jay]

Your not waffling.

Its winding you up and you need to get it off your chest.

Things like this affect the whole family and it is a worry to you as well as OH.

I don't like to think about the poor woman being pregnant having to deliver mail, then having the accident. Presumably she was all stressed and upset.
I bet they don't even feel responsable at all.

I hope they manage to sort it all soon, so you can get back to feeling more settled.

Jay xx

[stevensmummy]

Hi Giz,

Ure not waffling at all. Thats terrible. No weonder you are feeling stressed out. All this about 50hr weeks and not being paid for the junk mail. In my oppinion thats shit. Something really had to be done but as you say, what? Is there not an employment tribunial in place, I remember hassle at a friends work and they set one up, it made a big difference.

As for the poor preg lady. Can u imagine delivering mail waddling about at 8 months nevermind the accident! No thankyou. I hope she takes them to court over that. Thats a disgrace. I'm glad to hear shes ok tho. And like you say Jay I bet they dont feel at all responsible.

I hope they sort it out, keep us informed. And in the meantime, look after yourself and your oh, its a stressfull time.

Love and hugs

Sarah x