How do I join the union?

MarlowPostie · Post by **MarlowPostie** » 04 May 2018, 18:13

Been with Royal Mail 2 weeks. Was hoping to have met a rep on induction or in first two weeks. Don’t think our DO currently has one. Think they, like the manager are off long term sick. So many questions about workloads, weights, being made to walk 12 miles with a work related ligament injury, having to finish rounds past cutting off time. Is it possible to actually complete a round without taking the very many “fireable” shortcuts many seem to take? Any advice? I really want this to work but as a new starter, things don’t look like they are doable or getting easier anytime soon.

A shame as I love my duty.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 04 May 2018, 20:32

you can join online now

https://www.cwu.org/join-us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Thinking of joining the CWU?

https://www.cwu.org/join-us/join-online/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Online form

postmanzach · Post by **postmanzach** » 05 May 2018, 23:28

MarlowPostie wrote:Been with Royal Mail 2 weeks. Was hoping to have met a rep on induction or in first two weeks. Don’t think our DO currently has one. Think they, like the manager are off long term sick. So many questions about workloads, weights, being made to walk 12 miles with a work related ligament injury, having to finish rounds past cutting off time. Is it possible to actually complete a round without taking the very many “fireable” shortcuts many seem to take? Any advice? I really want this to work but as a new starter, things don’t look like they are doable or getting easier anytime soon. A shame as I love my duty.

Do you like to get paid more? Take your breaks, eat good food and drink plenty to keep yourself fueled up so you can DO THE JOB PROPERLY, NO RUSHING, AND BOOK EVERY MINUTE. I didnt understand it 10 years ago when i started that you get paid more for working slower, and it still doesnt make sense. Many rush around, undermining the job and making the managers bigger bonuses. MADNESS now dont go slowslow, but dont work unsafely.
Join the union and find out who your AREA rep is, and speak to them. My office has had no rep, my manager was deducting pay from part timers for finishing early. [if you did a full time round and finished in 6 hours thats what he paid] thats not happening any more. Sign up, and step up was rep if your area rep is there for you. any problems just ring him and that way you can go to meetings and find out more. why not [if you have the time i care enough]

Good luck, DONT RUSH, BOOK IT ALL

Celgar · Post by **Celgar** » 07 May 2018, 15:58

In short RM is different to virtually every other job in the UK in that it rewards inefficiency. Be aware also that every office is different and you may or may not be in an office where extended delivery is allowed to be booked. If there is no chance of you not being able to complete within duty time tell your DOM and they have to decide what to do about it. Don't take mail out that you won't be able to deliver within duty time.

Post by **hothothot** » 07 May 2018, 17:54

take a good look at the old postie's do they come in early ? do they rush round ? they do it by the book. JOIN THE UNION.

MarlowPostie · Post by **MarlowPostie** » 17 May 2018, 10:57

Thanks all. Wise words from those who know. However, I think it’s the end. Walked out this morning after yet more criticism that the round wasn’t completed on time yesterday. DOM maintains it can be done, no OPG agrees, many customers saying that no one stays on my duty for exactly the same reasons.

Really upset as I have really tried. Have walked up to 13.8 miles some days and all I get is that my 600 plus houses plus absorption and the lovely door to doors, which fills my trolley so it won’t shut, two drop bags and occasionally another pouch I carry from the DO can be done by 2:30. I don’t see how when nothing is ready and some days I don’t leave until nearly 11.

I tore a ligament on day 3 at work but had no time off or even interest/concern from the DOM about it. Carried on with knee in brace, always back late, never finish on time.

DOM initially refused to fill out an ERICA was threatened by another OPG with being reported but as she didn’t know how to fill one out she sat me in front of computer to fill it out myself and not tell anyone.

She thinks I need more training to complete on time. I think it’s a full time round being covered by a part time postie or I need to run rather than maintain a very brisk walk.

Heartbroken, but I feel I have been beasted and let down by totally incompetent management.

Wish I could have made it work but I can’t stand being continually criticised when I work so hard. I have never seen it completed, no one other than the DOM thinks it can be, they can’t keep people on my duty so customers really pissed off. It’s all broken and I’ve been made to feel as though I am a failure.

DOM has said “ you are not suspended for your behaviour, you will get paid for today but report tomorrow”. I guess my “behaviour” is my saying that “seeing as how you think it’s me rather than the duty/part time hours, I quit”.

Have already heard her on phone to the Régional “spinning” things to him to protect her own inefficiencies.

There is definitely history in that office and on my duty.

I am sorry, gutted that my efforts in trying to complete are not recognised.

I have new found respect for the posties who are broken every day, delivering huge amounts of packets, breaking their backs, walking half marathons with weight daily. I managed that, I just can’t do it all in part time hours.

Anyone reading this, give it a go anyway. Hopefully your experience will be less disappointing than mine. Hopefully your DO isn’t as shambolic. Get a reasonable DOM and I am sure it could be a nice job.

Power to the posties! You’re all super heroes in my view.

Post by **hothothot** » 17 May 2018, 16:23

Joining the union is a must. My advice like others have said is to never start early always on you allocated start time and I mean not one minute early. Always have your break , don't rush round , try to finish on your allocated time, not early , not late. Do the job properly using trolley's etc. If you tare around finishing early eventually Thier start pulling on extra work.

MarlowPostie · Post by **MarlowPostie** » 17 May 2018, 17:13

You are right. You are all right. Too late for me though I think. Breaks? No, never had one in four weeks. Didn’t think anyone had them. Haven’t been told any different. But then I wasn’t shown how to claim for overtime until yesterday. Stupid I know, but I just got my head down and got used to the mileage, trying to create a good impression. It’s all starting to dawn on me that as a new part timer I will be given the round/rounds nobody permanent wants. Understandable. Also dawning on me that they cycle newbies on all the shitty rounds. Again, understandable. Still, it can’t be done in my contracted hours, especially if it’s not thrown for me. DO says it can. If I s like this now, when the sun is shining and I’m getting a tan, what’s it going to be like in the winter with multiple times the already massive workload I’m expected to do now? I am afraid I seem to lack the ability to take continual and unfounded criticism when I actually feel I have gone above and beyond. Anyway, I’m a big boy so will see what tomorrow brings. If I remain in post, I think that it’s unlikely I’ll be trying to complete any more. There appears to be absolutely no point whatsoever. Not sure I can live with that philosophy so unlikely RM is for me. Still, you don’t know if you don’t know. Proud of myself for giving it a go! Hats off to those that make it work for them. I’m impressed. I wish it could be easier for you all.

Post by **hothothot** » 17 May 2018, 17:56

Sorry to hear you have left the job , but to be honest I'm amazed RM have any staff at all the way we're all treated . I hope you find a half decent job. Good luck.

MarlowPostie · Post by **MarlowPostie** » 18 May 2018, 09:59

Quick update. Filed a grievance against my manager yesterday, been informed this morning by her and a senior manager that I have been suspended pending a grievance meeting. Coincidence? Lol! I think not.

Post by **hothothot** » 18 May 2018, 14:50

The jobs shite I don't no anyone who thinks different. Most of us oldies are just biding time for our pensions. Joining the union is a must . Good luck pal.