Royal Mail brief to managers : New ways of working in delivery, processing and distribution

Post by **CillitBang** » 24 Mar 2020, 08:48

It was business as usual when I returned to work today after my long weekend. Manager told us to keep our distance... How? I asked if there were any plans in place, nope. Walked out and told them I'll be back in at 9:42 tomorrow when the rest of the office is out to collect my delivery. Plenty of folk groaning in office but none else were willing to make a stand.

Woody Guthrie · Post by **Woody Guthrie** » 24 Mar 2020, 08:49

How could you drop a full delivery off at somebody's house, what are they meant to do with it?

I don't have a donkey tied up outside my house.

themailman · Post by **themailman** » 24 Mar 2020, 08:50

Post by **Sugar** » 24 Mar 2020, 08:51

Too little too late. Two, Three, Four weeks further down the line and they'll find out how many workers they've unnecessarily exposed to this virus when sick numbers go threw the roof.

Woody Guthrie · Post by **Woody Guthrie** » 24 Mar 2020, 08:59

They need to drastically cut the indoor numbers so people will be told to work remotely, i.e. get mail dropped off.

Again how's that going to fly?
Where exactly are you going to drop this mail off and what are we supposed to do with it when you do?
Other than 'do your own street' that strategy isn't going to work.

If we still had serviceable drop boxes (and keys) and possibly shops to use as drop off points and a couple of months to plan the operation you might have a chance but you don't, don't and again for clarification.... don't.

themailman · Post by **themailman** » 24 Mar 2020, 09:12

Woody Guthrie · Post by **Woody Guthrie** » 24 Mar 2020, 09:39

Potential night shifts in DOs depending on the work flow from MCs

Non drivers are going to be mostly indoors or trolley duties where possible.

Drivers are going to have to alternate on duties.

The idea of duty holders will and should be out the window, you're going to have to be a bit more flexible and go where you're needed.

I'm not sure 12 hour shifts are a good idea, long hours and exhaustion can depress the immune system as well as leading to carelessness with regards to hygiene. Seems to me a bit reckless.
We can only do what we can do.

JimmyGrimble · Post by **JimmyGrimble** » 24 Mar 2020, 09:40

So if PDA's are shared they have to be cleaned but who is going to deep clean my van when it is used by collections after I've used it on delivery?

mattandbenny · Post by **mattandbenny** » 24 Mar 2020, 09:50

Personally i think the best way to solve the problem is to work alternating days. The vast majority drive, the non drivers will just have to be split evenly over the days off and do the walks closest to the office. i.e. we all do 3 day weeks with half a walk going one day and the other half going the next.

Schiff · Post by **Schiff** » 24 Mar 2020, 09:50

Basically it is up to each of us.

Do not, under any circumstances, go within 6 feet of another person at work. Anyone comes close to you then tell them to F Off. Any manager tells you to do something which would involve you getting close to someone then tell them to F Off. Be prepared to walk out if they insist on you doing something unsafe. Be prepared to act in support of each other.

Let managers work out how to make these rules work. You will soon find out (like you don't already know) which managers can actually manage and which are simply thick as pig!!!! bully boys.

In exchange we are going to have to be flexible. The way that we do the job is going to have to change as are the hours that we work to do it. If you don't like it then hand in your notice and hope that you can apply for your job back when this is all over.

Wild Rover · Post by **Wild Rover** » 24 Mar 2020, 10:19

You will have seen the update from Royal Mail on social distancing (being at least 2 metres apart) and the cessation of shared vans.

This is for immediate implementation. CWU Reps at all levels need to engage managers as a matter of utmost urgency. We are asking our divisional reps to coordinate this activity and provide us with a branch by branch report by the close of play today.

If these things are not in place you should not be working and the union will support any member who takes this position.

Dave Ward Terry Pullinger
GS DGSP

norris9 · Post by **norris9** » 24 Mar 2020, 10:34

Woody Guthrie wrote:How could you drop a full delivery off at somebody's house, what are they meant to do with it?

I don't have a donkey tied up outside my house.

There are several ways.

1. They bring out a HCT to you.

2. They have a few van drivers dropping bags off to each postie each time you finish a loop.

Yes, you won't get as much delivered as a normal round would as it's likely to be inefficient, but it still works.

themailman · Post by **themailman** » 24 Mar 2020, 10:38

Woody Guthrie · Post by **Woody Guthrie** » 24 Mar 2020, 10:47

There are several ways.

1. They bring out a HCT to you.

2. They have a few van drivers dropping bags off to each postie each time you finish a loop.

1. How many HCT's does your office have? We have 2 serviceable HCT's and approximately 70 shared van pairs. We also don't have a vehicle capable of safely loading, unloading and transporting an HCT..

2. So inefficient and logistically difficult it makes more sense to get the drivers that are running around to deliver it.

matthew68 · Post by **matthew68** » 24 Mar 2020, 11:04

Biggest mistake ever getting rid of the bikes