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Off duty run in with customer.

Postal workers discussion forum. Discuss the day to day life in a Blue Shirt.
Lenny honeyball
Posts: 30
Joined: 30 Jan 2009, 19:39
Gender: Male

Off duty run in with customer.

Post by Lenny honeyball »

To cut a long story short, was on my way to work this morning had a run in with a customer, I called him some choice words, he called me some choice words. I wasnt actually 'on duty' so to speak, was due on at 7.10 time was approx 6.45 when I spoke to this arse of a customer, Im expecting him to complain to managment etc, can I get in the brown stuff for this?

Thanks in advance
DGP1
Posts: 15551
Joined: 07 Jun 2007, 20:39
Gender: Male
Location: Terminus

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by DGP1 »

It all depends on your record and the 'customers' record, I've had complaints put in against me by 1 person but because the complain about everybody it's usually ignored.
I'm preparing myself for the zombie invasion, rule number 1 - Cardio
Lenny honeyball
Posts: 30
Joined: 30 Jan 2009, 19:39
Gender: Male

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by Lenny honeyball »

I undertsand that DP, My point was, can you be done for anything that happens off duty (but on your way to work in uniform?)
DGP1
Posts: 15551
Joined: 07 Jun 2007, 20:39
Gender: Male
Location: Terminus

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by DGP1 »

It depends on your manager, they could view it as bringing RM into disrepute but I'm not sure, one of the IR reps. would know better.
I'm preparing myself for the zombie invasion, rule number 1 - Cardio
brothermagrew
Posts: 3015
Joined: 06 Aug 2007, 16:38
Gender: Male
Location: Shares a border with England to the south.

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by brothermagrew »

Lenny honeyball wrote:To cut a long story short, was on my way to work this morning had a run in with a customer, I called him some choice words, he called me some choice words. I wasnt actually 'on duty' so to speak, was due on at 7.10 time was approx 6.45 when I spoke to this arse of a customer, Im expecting him to complain to managment etc, can I get in the brown stuff for this?

Thanks in advance

Can already invisage your DOM or line manager milking this one for all that it is worth. Valid point has already been made about bringing the company into disrepute. However, on the other foot they tell us that nothing is more important to us as a business than the safety and well being of our people. And that our people have the right to expect to be able to go about their work without fear of assault or threat of intimidation. Granted you have made clear that you weren't actually at work but on your way to work.

You should however, avoid confrontation (hard to do in some unforseen circumstances) but part of RM ethos, along with be polite and to the point in discussions, avoid prolonged direct eye contact and move away from an exchange if the person becomes agitated (prolonged eye contact may signify aggression). Also do not aggravate a situation by using threatening behaviour yourself, do not let yourself be drawn into an argument - the sensible option is to walk away. No matter what the provocation, do not abuse or attack anybody else. Remember for future reference that the business does not expect you to get in situations of confrontation.

If he does complain and your DOM gets shirty with you, ask him or her why they have never ever given any proper training and instruction at WTLL sessions with regards to irate customers getting in your face - the does and dont's. Aint a IR Rep but looking at it purely from a H&S perspective.
"Today’s workplace has become heartless and soulless. Employees are seen as units of labour, automatons, functionaries, objects for achieving designated tasks, and as costs to be minimised."
dvbuk55
EX ROYAL MAIL
Posts: 16650
Joined: 02 Jun 2007, 19:17
Gender: Male

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by dvbuk55 »

disgruntledpostie1 wrote:It all depends on your record and the 'customers' record, I've had complaints put in against me by 1 person but because the complain about everybody it's usually ignored.
So there's no point me keep sending the letters then - typical RM :angel
pony
Posts: 104
Joined: 10 Mar 2009, 17:18
Gender: Male

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by pony »

You can always give a toned down version of what you said and make out like the customer was the bad guy.
They can never prove what was said between you.
bogstandard
Posts: 1074
Joined: 08 Nov 2007, 06:16

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by bogstandard »

pony wrote:You can always give a toned down version of what you said and make out like the customer was the bad guy.
They can never prove what was said between you.
quite right get the first punch in nice and early.
The other alternative is wait and see if they complain tell whoever the bloke went mental so you walked off and left him ranting in the road.
Confused... You won't be, after the next episode of. SOAP
sausage
Posts: 26
Joined: 04 Mar 2009, 10:41
Gender: Male

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by sausage »

bogstandard wrote:
pony wrote:You can always give a toned down version of what you said and make out like the customer was the bad guy.
They can never prove what was said between you.
quite right get the first punch in nice and early.
The other alternative is wait and see if they complain tell whoever the bloke went mental so you walked off and left him ranting in the road.
I agree, I'd get in there first and talk to your lino
pop it in pete
Posts: 351
Joined: 09 Jun 2007, 23:03
Location: lazy town

Re: Off duty run in with customer.

Post by pop it in pete »

What customer? surely some mistake gov dont know nuffink about it. He must have got the wrong bloke or has something against me. :whistle