help

[sonata1976]

hi everyone.im new here and i need help.received a letter saying im going to be dismissed for attendance.stage three.i was off for three days(two absences) in 2009.that got me a stage 2.been off four days this year (two absences),got me a stage three.hit every stage within a month of coming off them.never been on a stage more than once,manager interviewed me in the canteen for the stage three!!waited three months for result!!
anyway im going for an appeal.the reason they sacked me was beacause he said there were no mitagating circumstances.if anyone has any ideas i would appreciate it.thanks

[POSTMAN]

Christ!
Will move this to the union room forum.

[Judgee]

Sorry to hear that. I was on the persecution system erm I mean warning system for many years, kept getting ill in the last month before they cleared. Went to one stage 3 meeting, where I had to 'promise' not to be ill . Finally got off the damn merry-go-round this year because I could see this happening. They are looking to boot anyone they can for any reason they can. Good luck with the appeal

[sonata1976]

thanks judgee.its a tricky one.i think i need to find out if royal mail has a procedure on where the stage three hearing is held.it cant be right having it in the canteen next to the coffee machine.only thing i can think of really.

[BELIAL]

Thought stage 2 was triggered by 10 days and 3 absences ? But if computer says no

[fishtank]

Thought stage 2 was triggered by 10 days and 3 absences ? But if computer says no

10 days or 2 absences.

2. MINIMUM NATIONAL ATTENDANCE STANDARDS - EMPLOYEES NOT ON TRIAL
Attendance may be regarded as warranting formal action if an employee who is not on trial has:

Stage 1: 4 absences or 14 days in a 12 month period

Stage 2: 2 absences or 10 days in any 6 month period during the next 12 months

Stage 3: 2 absences or 10 days in any 6 month period during the next 12 months

[BELIAL]

Cheers fishmeal ,harsh or what

[Judgee]

Harsh indeed especially when you consider the physically draining nature of the job, the stress and the weather conditions. Basically you need to be superman to keep off it. Bet the executives aren't accountable in the same way, and all they do is sit in a nice warm office a couple of days a week eating biscuits and working out how they can fiddle thier bonuses!

[BELIAL]

Surely the attendance code is applied equally throughout all grades in the business? And if it isn't then there must be a clear case of discriminatory treatment Time for the freedom of Info stuff and a bit of digging perhaps

[postie222]

The attendance procdure says the following for back to work interviews(When someone returns to work from absence the line manager must aim as soon as possible to speak privately and out of earshot of others with the person) So i would argue that the same applies at stage meetings.
Did you take a Area Rep in with you ? or are you a non union member ? maybe they are trying it on good luck with the appeal.