Bob Kennedy ASRep Watford No 1 Branch - Conduct Case

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Bob Kennedy Area Safety Representative CWU Watford No 1 Branch - Conduct Code Suspension and Bullying & Harassment Case.

No. 768/09
Ref AS6
Date: 10 September 2009

To: All Postal Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Bob Kennedy Area Safety Representative CWU Watford No 1 Branch - Conduct Code Suspension and Bullying & Harassment Case.

Further to LTB 327/09 dated 16 April and LTB 436/09 dated 20 May, this update report is being issued to Branches with the agreement of Bob Kennedy CWU ASR in response to a number of enquiries from CWU Safety Representatives and CWU Regional Health and Safety Forums.

You will be aware from the reports in the above mentioned previous LTBs that Bob Kennedy CWU ASR for Watford had been suspended on 7th April under what I can only describe as irregular procedures and circumstances. During the period of suspension and subsequent to it, strong protests and representations were and have been made to Royal Mail Letters HQ about the mishandling of the case and the abuse and breach of procedures by local management.

Watford CWU members had additionally voted in favour of Strike Action in support of Bob.

As a result of Bob's suspension and the treatment of a CWU Area Safety Rep, a decision was also taken to regrettably withdraw all CWU Area Safety Reps from the 4 Royal Mail Letters/HSE/CWU/CMA Regional Slips, Trips and Falls events and also from the Royal Mail Group Celebrating Health and Safety National Event.

I am pleased to report that after over 11 weeks of suspension Bob was fully reinstated on 29 June, returning to his CWU ASR post, based at the Watford Mail Centre Office with his full time release Safety Representative facilities restored, pending completion of the Conduct Code case. Bob was subsequently awarded a 2 years Serious Offence for 'gross misconduct' and that matter is subject to appeal plus Bob has submitted an Employment Tribunal complaint regarding his unfair treatment at work.

Prior to being suspended Bob had submitted a Bullying and Harassment complaint via the internal Royal Mail procedure and the outcome was that his complaint against the Mail Centre Manager was 'Upheld' with the investigator recommending that the Mail Centre Manager faces Conduct Code Disciplinary Action.

As the above procedures are still continuing, it would not be right to say anything further in detail at this juncture.

Throughout this ordeal, Bob has and continues to be supported by CWU HQ Postal Department, the Health, Safety & Environment Department and the Legal Services Department. Locally Bob received the sterling support of his Branch and the CWU Divisional Representatives (Barry Jennings and Dennis King) who have represented Bob at every stage.

In conclusion Bob has asked me to express his thanks and appreciation for all the messages of support he received from other CWU Safety Representatives, CWU Safety Forums and Branches from around the country during his long suspension.


Yours Sincerely


Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[UNION IVOR]

its all about standing together , go on bob let them have it.

[brothermagrew]

Whilst not knowing Bob on a personal level, nonetheless heartfelt congratulations on his long overdue reinstatement for what in the end could only be the rightful and just outcome to this sad saga. Great respect to the man for maintaining his dignity and calm throughout this turbulent time for him and his family.

Would also like to see the same support from all CWU Departments for workplace/unit CWU health and safety representatives as well.

I sincerely hope that Bob is fully vindicated at his forthcoming Employment Tribunal. As to his complaint for Bullying and Harassment via the internal Royal Mail procedure which was UPHELD by the investigator only time will tell if the MCM will indeed face CCDA as was recommended.