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Meal Break in the van

Postal workers discussion forum. Discuss the day to day life in a Blue Shirt.
banjo1t
Posts: 56
Joined: 21 Jan 2009, 19:42
Gender: Male

Meal Break in the van

Post by banjo1t »

We have just been told, we are to take our breaks in the van, if the need arises...

I thought to meet health & safety issues, there is supposed to be a toilet and hand washing facilities available?
For me I think this is the thin end of the wedge, they'll have you out 8hrs delivering!!
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POSTMAN
SITE ADMINISTRATOR
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Joined: 07 Aug 2006, 03:19
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Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by POSTMAN »

Blimey,aint had one of these for a while,thought it was a lost cause.
There are some threads about this will see if i can find them.

Fish,any ideas?
I Wrote-During Covid-Which is still relevant now
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
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POSTMAN
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Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by POSTMAN »

This was a hot one...
http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 15&t=30506" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I Wrote-During Covid-Which is still relevant now
It's good to get these types of threads, the ridiculous my manager said bollox, so we can reassure ourselves that while the world is falling apart, Royal Mail managers are still being the low-life C***S they have always been.
My BFF Clash
The daily grind of having to argue your case with an intellectual pigmy of a line manager is physically and emotionally draining.
DGP1
Posts: 15551
Joined: 07 Jun 2007, 20:39
Gender: Male
Location: Terminus

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by DGP1 »

I always have my break in the van, parked up at the side of the road, book in my hand, radio on and having a sandwich and a drink...............been doing that for a few years now and tbh it's a real life saver to be able to have something to eat and a rest after 3 1/2-4 hours delivering to give me that extra energy for the last 1+ hour delivery :Very Happy
I'm preparing myself for the zombie invasion, rule number 1 - Cardio
banjo1t
Posts: 56
Joined: 21 Jan 2009, 19:42
Gender: Male

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by banjo1t »

But then you'll get the irate customer looking for their parcel that was ordered a week ago, and still has'nt arrived
banging on your window!!
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THRRPPPP..... Now 'JOG ON' you dizzy DOM
DGP1
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Gender: Male
Location: Terminus

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by DGP1 »

banjo1t wrote:But then you'll get the irate customer looking for their parcel that was ordered a week ago, and still has'nt arrived
banging on your window!!
Earphones :Very Happy
I'm preparing myself for the zombie invasion, rule number 1 - Cardio
glenfiddich
Posts: 1012
Joined: 03 Oct 2007, 13:15

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by glenfiddich »

banjo1t wrote:But then you'll get the irate customer looking for their parcel that was ordered a week ago, and still has'nt arrived
banging on your window!!

thats why i fitted this to my bipper http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDrzMGdYWZc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
coxie
EX ROYAL MAIL
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Joined: 09 Oct 2009, 14:57
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Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by coxie »

You are entitled to have your meal break wherever you like and that is LAW
Listonosz
Posts: 49
Joined: 11 Feb 2009, 20:21
Gender: Male

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by Listonosz »

I'm sure there is someone more knowledable than me on this subject but i believe that a meal break is supposed to be a break from work? ok so sat in the van is not working, but I also believe that we are entitled to spend our breaks away from the work place, therefore having a break in the van isn't away from the work place surely?
fishtank
Posts: 19732
Joined: 28 Sep 2007, 17:22
Gender: Male

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by fishtank »

I don't think anyone is or will be forced to sit in the van.
How would that work?...Would your manager come and lock you in?
I think the whole point of the thread is that part of your meal relief will be scheduled when you are out on the delivery phase.
If you want to sit in the van that's up to you but i can think of nicer places to sit.
To be honest it's really an argument about nothing because most people will tag that 20 mins on to the end of their shift. :neutral:
Now if i was being forced to take my full 40 mins out on delivery i might have something to say... :cuppa
good times, bad times you know I've had my share
97gaz
EX ROYAL MAIL
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Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by 97gaz »

W
Last edited by 97gaz on 28 Apr 2020, 22:50, edited 1 time in total.
sidewinder
EX ROYAL MAIL
Posts: 348
Joined: 24 Oct 2008, 18:05
Gender: Male

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by sidewinder »

Afaik you can take a break where the hell u like be it in or out of the vehicle. As long as you're parked legally and are stationary that's it.
daveyeff
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Joined: 12 Mar 2010, 19:38
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Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by daveyeff »

coxie wrote:You are entitled to have your meal break wherever you like and that is LAW
lady ga ga,s bedroom? kate winslet,s knicker drawer?? :Very Happy
krussel
Posts: 5300
Joined: 26 Jan 2009, 18:03
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Location: Out on the streets.

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by krussel »

I took a half hour break in the van for years. Really needed it to break up the delivery. Its not too bad as you have a heater in the winter although it got quite hot in the summer.

Oh a really good tip is ALWAYS park up in a road where you have delivered all the mail otherwise its knock knock "have you a parcel for me iam just going out" etc :mad
Rows of houses all bearing down on me........I can feel their blue hands touching me.......All these things in all positions.........All these things will one day take control..........
Beaker54
Posts: 27
Joined: 15 Oct 2009, 18:46
Gender: Female

Re: Meal Break in the van

Post by Beaker54 »

When we asked our DOM about Toilet facilities when on delivery his reply was if you need a toilet
give the office a ring and I will come and pick you up and bring you back to the office his other
idea was just get friendly with someone on your round who will let you use there facilities. The latter
idea conjures up all sorts of nightmares needless to say neither idea is in force today. What is the official
line on a Toilet Stop ? it is an offence to use anywhere but an official toilet. Will pass any good ideas on to
our DIM he is running short of them