Reserves and managers planning ahead

[xena]

Hi all. Does anyone know how far in advance our managers are supposed to tell reserves what walks and days off they will be on for the next few weeks? My manager in my previous depot was able to let us know usually about 4 weeks in advance, making it possible for us to make plans and have a life, but since I got transfered, I get a text on the Friday or sometimes Saturday, telling me what I'm doing on Monday. I can not understand why they can't get their act together and plan the rotas weeks in advance. Obviously, if people go sick, I can understand that they might change the walk I'm on, but usually, that is last minute and by then, I've already been told what day I''ve got and they can't change that. They know a whole year in advance who is on leave and which walks need covering. Any comments or information on this? Thanks. Xena

[TrueBlueTerrier]

At out DO when I started the reserves were sometimes moved duties 2 or even 3 times on the same day. We had one case where the postie asked the manager what day they were off and they were told Friday. Obviously he came in Monday but the manager had changed his duty and told him to go home. The postie refused

I think most places operate about a week ahead but I'll move this into the Union room, it will get more traffic there.

Welcome as well Xena

[worktotime]

Hi all. Does anyone know how far in advance our managers are supposed to tell reserves what walks and days off they will be on for the next few weeks? My manager in my previous depot was able to let us know usually about 4 weeks in advance, making it possible for us to make plans and have a life, but since I got transfered, I get a text on the Friday or sometimes Saturday, telling me what I'm doing on Monday. I can not understand why they can't get their act together and plan the rotas weeks in advance. Obviously, if people go sick, I can understand that they might change the walk I'm on, but usually, that is last minute and by then, I've already been told what day I''ve got and they can't change that. They know a whole year in advance who is on leave and which walks need covering. Any comments or information on this? Thanks. Xena

yes your office isnt the only one , saturday morning i find out and do leave reserves every get a long weekend because ive never had one all the time ive worked for them is that right?

[clashcityrocker]

It is just laziness on the part of managers. It is easier for them to do the staffing in a very short-term way so that is what they do.
Under the new agreement everyone will be entitled to 1 in 4 Saturdays off and that will include the reserves.
Basically in RM, if you don't make a fuss they will just ignore you. If you have a problem tell your rep - it is his job to bring these things to the attention of your manager.

[fishtank]

There is no reason why reserves cannot have a rotational day off just like everyone else.
Sometimes if there are unusual staffing problems this may change but this should be the exception not the rule.
As CCR said it is just lazy management.
Being moved from duty to duty however is something we all had to deal with.

[xena]

Thank you for your replies. I suspected that it might well be lazy management. I have no problem doing a different walk every day, I quite like the variety, it's just not being able to make plans. Maybe one day. It's good to dream!

[POSTMAN]

Your rep should have weekly resourcing meetings,ok many don't but the staffing for AL should be done at least a week in advance if not 2.