NEW & UNHAPPY

[derbyben]

Hi all
I have felt the need to write on here. I've been at Royal Mail for about a month and the job seems very different to what was discussed in the interview and at induction. First i was offered a job and the start date was about 2-3 months later. I then spent a week with another person before working alone. I should work 9-2 yet I have loads of mail to sort on arrival. I appreciate it takes time to get up to speed but promised overtime whilst learning is like trying to get blood out of a stone and it took 3 weeks for me to be informed that coming in early was 'my time that I give to the company' apparently. Door to door bonuses are paultry and are more hassle than they are worth (and will get worse by the sound of it!), adding time to your day. Lapsing seems a big con- is there no overtime or bonus for this? The managers keep on about the reduction in mail, yet didn't the company make around £400m profit last financial year? I actually enjoy being out on my route but feel under a lot of pressure to speed up. I have been pushed into using my own car at my own business insurance and fuel expenses- added to by these lapsing duties. I feel im getting a bit quicker but I have problems getting into flats and sorting out new-builds that have conflicting door numbers. I know I need to learn but this pressure results in mistakes which we're not allowed to make. I feel this company is taking advantage of the recession and the fact we all need a job. But who in their right mind would work for nothing and is it even legal? All I get from the managers in- 'It's what your colleagues voted for' It appears the vote was tipped by non delivery workers. I look forward to hearing your responses. I'm sticking with it in the hope it improves or i can get work from new machines installed in the future. By the way I hope my username isn't mis-leading but I don't work in Derby.

[smelly_cat_lady]

Stop moaning or leave. Simple

[cstf]

What sort of response is that " stop moaning or leave " , did you not read the post the problem seems to be how the position was described at interview etc and how it actually is once you start the job. This seems to be the way royal mail work nowaday's , yeah you'll just come in at your start time pick up your bag and go and you'll be finished in plenty time for your other commitment's , the reality is totally different and new starts feel pressured into using cars etc .

[Patrick Clifton]

Stop moaning or leave. Simple

As helpful and constructive as ever! Have you considered applying for RM management?

[steve1873]

Stop moaning or leave. Simple

Get a grip FFS. The guy is clearly struggling and by the sounds of things being taken advantage of by management.

To the original poster, my 1st piece of advice is join the union. After doing so, inform whoever it was that told you to come in early (for no extra pay I presume), to put it in writing or you will no longer be doing so. Clearly they will not put it in writing as they would be breaking the law! You should not be doing ANY work for this company for free.

If you are arriving at the office, and their is still indoor work to be done and in doing so, you believe you are unable to complete the delivery then approach your line manager, prefferably with a witness present, and inform him/her that you believe you will be unable to complete the work within your contracted hours. After doing so, pose the question, "what would YOU like me to do?". If he then questions this, do not become flustered or allow yourself to feel pressured or intimidated (the classic RM management technique). Simply repeat the following, "I believe that I have insufficient contracted hours to complete the current workload, what do you want me to do". They are managers. Let them manage. It is upto you whether you want to work past your contracted hours, but if doing so, ensure you get agreement that overtime will be paid.

[iamnotadoormat]

Have you considered applying for RM management?

probably is one judging by that comment!!!!!

[derbyben]

Thanks Steve, your comments were very helpful.

[smelly_cat_lady]

Ok, so how exactly is moaning going to help this poor unfortunate individual??!!

So the job in reality doesn't match what you were told at induction. Whoopee. So what? Sue RM for missale? Get a grip.This person clearly has the same choice we face every single day. Put up or shut up.

Or moan to the bleeding hearts................ perhaps he could go to counsellling with Ashy run by Jenny from Manchester

[calpsy]

Stop moaning or leave. Simple

He was probably shown the ropes by a helpful person like you . You should be ashamed .

[Patrick Clifton]

Ok, so how exactly is moaning going to help this poor unfortunate individual??!!

So the job in reality doesn't match what you were told at induction. Whoopee. So what? Sue RM for missale? Get a grip.This person clearly has the same choice we face every single day. Put up or shut up.

Or moan to the bleeding hearts................ perhaps he could go to counsellling with Ashy run by Jenny from Manchester

Or maybe he could be told the things he should have been told by a work coach! Putting up with s**t is not an option for most people I would guess.

[pinstripe]

Hi all
I have been pushed into using my own car at my own business insurance and fuel expenses- added to by these lapsing duties.

It sounds like you have a normal RM manager so you will need to do the following. First, join the CWU, then,
1. Inform him how much mail is still to be prepped when you arrive and how long you expect it to take you until you are ready to leave.
2. Inform him if you think you will not be able to complete your delivery in your duty time, and what he wants you to do about it. If he wants you to complete, then confirm that overtime will be paid.
3. Do not start early, unless by prior arrangement and the confirmation that you will again be paid overtime
4. Explain the problems you are experiencing on your delivery, re: new builds etc.
5. Explain that you are not willing to use your own car for business purposes. You do not need a reason not to. RM provide transport.
6. Take a witness! Preferably your union rep. Local Reps are usually great, it's only those higher up that suck.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Ok, so how exactly is moaning going to help this poor unfortunate individual??!!

So the job in reality doesn't match what you were told at induction. Whoopee. So what? Sue RM for missale? Get a grip.This person clearly has the same choice we face every single day. Put up or shut up.

Or moan to the bleeding hearts................ perhaps he could go to counsellling with Ashy run by Jenny from Manchester

As a Moderator I would say that your comment though allowed is probably in the wrong thread. The OP came on here asking for help and advice, although you offered advice I don't think it was any help was it.

As I ask anyone, try to help people who come on here asking for advice and if you cant offer any then don't. But of course ANYONE can start a new thread complaining about moaners, just please dont hijack a thread

[Theghost]

Smelly cat you really are .

The lad needs some back up and help along the way,Do you not remember when you 1st started? Think back and remember how you struggled and also think how much harder the Job is now than in the past.

Hang your head in shame,Im ok attitude so sod everyone else is disrespecfull,If you dont care then why post anything atall?? :mfo

[Biker Mouse]

Quote:I have been pushed into using my own car at my own business insurance and fuel expenses

STOP DOING THIS FOR A START! Work to your time and advise if you have to cut-off BEFORE you go out!

[not me]

Stop moaning or leave. Simple

how many cases have we seen of new posties struggling and ending up hiding mail or whatever?
yet here we have a new postie trying their best and looking for help or at least a little support here
and you post this?
perhaps you should take your own advice per your forum account