MP Shocked by Indifference to Postmen's Plight

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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46 local postmen and women have been dismissed, suspended or had to take time off with stress in the last few years and last night in a special Commons debate John Pugh asked why.

Dr Pugh suggested “something is going seriously wrong” with industrial relations out at Kew as he drew attention to what appear to be heavy handed punishments for small errors at work, including not wearing cycle helmets. Such errors cost postmen their jobs putting enormous strain on their families.

But the MP was deeply disappointed by the response from the Labour Minister, Pat McFadden, who though recognising an industrial relations problem in the Royal Mail stated that it such issues were an internal matter for Royal Mail management. John Pugh was in the debate backed by Labour and Conservative members who reported similar experiences.

"I did not raise this issue because I know all the facts, but because of loyal postmen whose working lives, pensions and careers have been blighted or ruined. The Government own the Royal Mail and the unwillingness of them even to gather basic facts and statistics about the treatment of public employees is utterly shocking. Rarely are matters black and white but it’s our fundamental duty in parliament to stand up for those who may be the victim of injustice. Injustice can happen at work-especially when there is a drive to cut costs. The apparent acceptance by a Labour minister that you can be sacked at Southport for taking your helmet off but not at another branch I find appalling.

“The Royal Mail's most precious asset is their staff, their community roots, their camaraderie- they squander those assets at their peril. "

[cedric]

Whilst I applaud our local MPs stance at taking concerns seriously. I think it is worth mentioning that the issue with cycle helmets is treated as gross misconduct due to an agreement between the local DSM and the CWU Area safety rep.
I work in this office and the unit rep whilst trying his best is a liability and the members probably arent getting the best representation available to them. The area rep is never available and his deputy who was ok has been sent back to duty.
Really to be honest it is the fault of the local CWU that Southport is in such a mess.

[brothermagrew]

Whilst I applaud our local MPs stance at taking concerns seriously. I think it is worth mentioning that the issue with cycle helmets is treated as gross misconduct due to an agreement between the local DSM and the CWU Area safety rep.
I work in this office and the unit rep whilst trying his best is a liability and the members probably arent getting the best representation available to them. The area rep is never available and his deputy who was ok has been sent back to duty.
Really to be honest it is the fault of the local CWU that Southport is in such a mess.

Without wishing to burst your bubble brother cedric, it should be pointed out to you that regardless of any agreement between the local DSM and the CWU Area safety rep, there is a National Agreement in place namely (Royal Mail Service Delivery/Communication Workers Union National Agreement/Code of Practice for Improving Cycle Safety by the Introduction of Cycle Helmets and High Visibility Garments). Conduct code action was always meant to be a manager's last resort. Before that came counselling, persuasion, provision of clear information, instruction and training plus Union involvement including co-operation and support of the staff and their representatives. However, at the end of the day if any individual still refused to comply the agreed Conduct Code rules should then be applied progressively.

[NWpostie]

if nobody cares they will soon enough when there is only one solution of last resort STRIKE !

[smokerjim]

Thank you John Pugh, sorry your experience of dealing with RM leaves you feeling belittled, diminished and disrespected - but on the upside you have an idea of what emotions we experience everyday....keep up the good fight, it is appreciated.