OVERTIME

[rmapprentice]

As some of you are aware, I'm a fairly new to the business but forgive me for being stupid but I think I have been duped regarding overtime.

I have always done overtime on a daily basis to bump up my wages as only on a P/T contract as before xmas it had always been paid regardless,sometimes maybe an hour or 2 missing here or there but always promised to be in next weeks wage which it has.

However since my wage just before xmas and all the remaining wage packets since then, I am missing half of my overtime. Since the second week in December until last week, I have done 120 hours overtime and only been paid 60 but have kept quiet (stupid I know) as I thought it will be in next weeks wage. After speaking to other new starters at other offices they have also said they are waiting for overtime since they first started.

Today was the last straw, not one bit of overtime today. I queried it with an ex RM employee who was fuming and says the real reason is, I'm not signing the overtime sheet. I have ever only signed a sheet once or twice since I started in Novemeber for O/T but that was bought to me by management. I thought this was maybe for their own use.

Obviously not, they know I have been doing the overtime but not once given me these sheets to sign, don't get me wrong I have seen people sign sheets on ips frames and managers clipboards, but I thought that was for their S/A to say they have done it!

What do I do? I'm now worried I will lose out on 60 hours of docket and feel quite intimidated to go speak to my dom about this? I feel really stupid and let down by myself so go ahead if you want to say how stupid I am!

[Punk]

If you haven't already, join the union, then get your rep involved if you dont fancy tackling the DOM yourself about it. Personally I'd be in the office like a raging bull first thing tomorrow morning which probably isn't the best advice!

[gj1023]

Lesson one, working for RM, always cover your back. Get it in writing , get a witness. Lesson two , Never assume anything .

[Darren Bent]

Royal Mail did this because they want to pay out less money on sick pay, bonus, holidays etc. They offer you smaller hours and make you sign 1 hr overtime to save 6 hours pay every week of holidays or whatever.

Royal Mail doesn't play fair, especially to rookies.

[Lincox]

If you have done that overtime fairly and honestly then it is money that is owed to you by Royal Mail. You speak to your DOM and put the point to him that you have not been paid for overtime that you have done. If he treats you with respect and says that he will get it sorted fair enough. If he doesnt then you inform him that it is an offence for RM to withold pay without providing a good reason, and unless it is in next weeks pay you will be taking the matter to the small claims court. You will then see him move quicker than you have ever seen anything move in your life. Do not be afraid. It is you that is being discriminated against and you have the right to have this matter sorted out.