Joining the 'union'...

sue · Post by **sue** » 05 Oct 2008, 12:26

I'm a new postie, just finished my first week. I would like to join the union, but am confused as to how I go about it, and how much it will cost (are payments taken out of the wage packet?). There are so many rules and regulations to take on board, some of which I have never experienced in any of my previous jobs. I am a little concerned as after my latest round (which I was accompanied by another colleague, to show me the whole walk), together we finished early. I asked the colleague if we needed to go back to the office, he said no, not necessarily. So I continued home. Whilst home I received a phone call from the office stating that I could have the following day off as there was no work. I was a little taken aback by this, but however accepted it and asked if I should return in to work the following day, I was told yes.

Maybe I am worrying unnecessarily - but wondering if I may receive a warning of some sort on my return? What do you think? Is what I've done serious? Sorry if this seems so naive - I just need some advice.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 05 Oct 2008, 14:11

There is a form in Downloads if you want to join. http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 36&t=11395

Full Timers pay £2.70 per week direct from your pay and PT pay a pro-rata rate.

No you will not be in trouble when you go back in as you did what you were instructed to do by your mentor, and if you were the boss would have mentioned it when they called you.

Best advice would be to find out who your rep is on your next working day, and when you have joined request Union representation in every meeting you have with any manager. This is not for any hidden agenda by the Union or the Management, but just so that you have an advocate and a witness.

Hope you are enjoying the work, but watch out when you start doing it by yourself its a bit of a culture shock.

Rereading your post don't worry about the day off, that's normal most posties work a five day week spread over 6 working days. Some even work a 4 day week over 6 days, so it was probably your planned day off, just that they had not told you.

sue · Post by **sue** » 05 Oct 2008, 14:31

Thankyou so much for your response TrueBlueTerrier :)

I know who my union rep is at the DO, however with the starting time that I agreed to, I may not see this person during the week. There is a possibility I may see them on the sat morn (early start on a sat). Do you think the rep will mind if I get their phone number and give them a bell after work? I'm not sure on the protocol for this type of thing or is there a specific time allocated during work times to approach the rep? Obviously I can't go into lots of details, but there are definitely a few issues that I need to clear up straight away.

johnnyp · Post by **johnnyp** » 05 Oct 2008, 14:46

Also sue speak to your workplace coach(if you have one)its there job to help everyone in the office with day to day tasks.

sue · Post by **sue** » 05 Oct 2008, 15:00

johnnyp...

lol, my coach is the DOM! A day after meeting him, he went off sick! So now I have no coach...

I know the work is very strenuous, as I have already been out on my own (during the week).

johnnyp · Post by **johnnyp** » 05 Oct 2008, 15:18

sue wrote:johnnyp...

lol, my coach is the DOM! A day after meeting him, he went off sick! So now I have no coach...

I know the work is very strenuous, as I have already been out on my own (during the week).

Blimey what did you do or say to him

Did he give you the little training booklet?Its very good and handy for new entrants to have.If he never ask some of the longer serving posties in the office to help you out if you have any problems.

brothermagrew · Post by **brothermagrew** » 05 Oct 2008, 18:28

Sue for health and safety issues best to find out who is your unit and area health and safety reps as well, providing you don't already know.

andy2007 · Post by **andy2007** » 05 Oct 2008, 19:06

sue wrote:Thankyou so much for your response TrueBlueTerrier :)

I know who my union rep is at the DO, however with the starting time that I agreed to, I may not see this person during the week. There is a possibility I may see them on the sat morn (early start on a sat). Do you think the rep will mind if I get their phone number and give them a bell after work? I'm not sure on the protocol for this type of thing or is there a specific time allocated during work times to approach the rep? Obviously I can't go into lots of details, but there are definitely a few issues that I need to clear up straight away.

I was given the Mobile Number for one of my Union Reps, so that I could keep up with developments when I was on Holiday (major changes going on at the time). So I doubt that your Rep would have a problem with you having his/her number, so long as you phone at a sensible time.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 06 Oct 2008, 14:59

andy2007 wrote:
sue wrote:Thankyou so much for your response TrueBlueTerrier :)

I know who my union rep is at the DO, however with the starting time that I agreed to, I may not see this person during the week. There is a possibility I may see them on the sat morn (early start on a sat). Do you think the rep will mind if I get their phone number and give them a bell after work? I'm not sure on the protocol for this type of thing or is there a specific time allocated during work times to approach the rep? Obviously I can't go into lots of details, but there are definitely a few issues that I need to clear up straight away.

I was given the Mobile Number for one of my Union Reps, so that I could keep up with developments when I was on Holiday (major changes going on at the time). So I doubt that your Rep would have a problem with you having his/her number, so long as you phone at a sensible time.

If he lets you get his email address and become one of his "militant" supporters.