Hidden Mail

[JAMESMARSH1980]

Please can anybody advise me what to do, this morrning I was pulled into the office greeted by a bundle of mail (around 50 letters) that my manager had said had been dumped a couple of weeks ago, the round that it was done on was docket that I did and the dates around the day I did the round. It was the first time I've ever done the round and was questioned whether I delivered it or dumped it, I was in total shock as I would never do this, the bundle that was found was all in order so it wasnt just a few letters that covered the whole round, I got the bags dropped off and the bags were in a front garden of a house, 3 bags in total but I dont know whether somebody could have taken a bundle out and thrown them or anything, I'm fairly new to the job but now I feel like quitting as I think they have tarred me with a dirty brush and I would never do anything like this. I'm so upset about it. Can anybody give me some advice ?

[IWW Fellow Worker]

Did you have your rep with you?

[JAMESMARSH1980]

No I didnt at the time as I was off ill from saturday till wednesday so thought It was a back to work form that I ahd to do but got greeted with that, I feel so low as it was the talk of the office and I knew everybody was aware I was the one being questioned for it, It has made me feel so depressed today, I enjoy my job but this have given me a right kick in the gut, I would never dream of hiding mail or doing anything like that, I honestly felt like crying, I assured him 100% that I wouldt do that but he aske me questions like did you notice if anything was missing and I couldnt answer as it was the first time I had ever done the round and didnt know what houses I should deliver to and which I shouldnt, I've only been in the job for 3 months and I'm really upset now.

[IWW Fellow Worker]

No I didnt at the time as I was off ill from saturday till wednesday so thought It was a back to work form that I ahd to do but got greeted with that, I feel so low as it was the talk of the office and I knew everybody was aware I was the one being questioned for it, It has made me feel so depressed today, I enjoy my job but this have given me a right kick in the gut, I would never dream of hiding mail or doing anything like that, I honestly felt like crying, I assured him 100% that I wouldt do that but he aske me questions like did you notice if anything was missing and I couldnt answer as it was the first time I had ever done the round and didnt know what houses I should deliver to and which I shouldnt, I've only been in the job for 3 months and I'm really upset now.

He should have made it plain that is was an investigatory interview and obviously didn't do so. You are entitled to have your rep present at that stage. Also, it seems obvious he has discussed this with other members of staff. He should not have done so. If I were you, I would inform the rep first thing in the morning. These 'managers' don't always know the Conduct Code (or much else if it comes to that) so you should see your rep in the morning and tell him what has happened.

[vigilante]

Please can anybody advise me what to do, this morrning I was pulled into the office greeted by a bundle of mail (around 50 letters) that my manager had said had been dumped a couple of weeks ago, the round that it was done on was docket that I did and the dates around the day I did the round. It was the first time I've ever done the round and was questioned whether I delivered it or dumped it, I was in total shock as I would never do this, the bundle that was found was all in order so it wasnt just a few letters that covered the whole round, I got the bags dropped off and the bags were in a front garden of a house, 3 bags in total but I dont know whether somebody could have taken a bundle out and thrown them or anything, I'm fairly new to the job but now I feel like quitting as I think they have tarred me with a dirty brush and I would never do anything like this. I'm so upset about it. Can anybody give me some advice ?

although unfamiliar to the round-- did you not find it strange that a road or two were missing walking near them??----just wondering
whats going on with dropping bags in the front garden of a house---unsecure---therefore not your fault if anything was pinched!!!
don't worry mate it's not your fault anything could have happened between the times it was dropped and you picked it up!!

[axeman]

if he's never done the job hows he expected to know if anything was missing ? no doubt it was thrown up for him and more likley bagged off ? and he's new to the job quite a combination there. was the mail in a van or found around the office ? never admit to anything just shrug your shoulders and say feck all and yes if it was left in a garden then it's obvious your screw is aware that this practice is going on put the onus back on his shoulders but do get your rep involved quickly

[IWW Fellow Worker]

Please can anybody advise me what to do, this morrning I was pulled into the office greeted by a bundle of mail (around 50 letters) that my manager had said had been dumped a couple of weeks ago, the round that it was done on was docket that I did and the dates around the day I did the round. It was the first time I've ever done the round and was questioned whether I delivered it or dumped it, I was in total shock as I would never do this, the bundle that was found was all in order so it wasnt just a few letters that covered the whole round, I got the bags dropped off and the bags were in a front garden of a house, 3 bags in total but I dont know whether somebody could have taken a bundle out and thrown them or anything, I'm fairly new to the job but now I feel like quitting as I think they have tarred me with a dirty brush and I would never do anything like this. I'm so upset about it. Can anybody give me some advice ?

although unfamiliar to the round-- did you not find it strange that a road or two were missing walking near them??----just wondering
whats going on with dropping bags in the front garden of a house---unsecure---therefore not your fault if anything was pinched!!!
don't worry mate it's not your fault anything could have happened between the times it was dropped and you picked it up!!

Fifty items would be nearer ten or fifteen houses these days mate. Anyone unfamiliar with the delivery might not even notice them missing.

[KawasakiKid]

I've only been in the job for 3 months and I'm really upset now.

james mate it's called culture shock ala RM. Welcome to the RM world. You got to learn to HATE!!!!!! james. Managers, strike breakers, leighton :lfo crozier :cfo NuLiebour, johnson etc. etc. HATE HATE!!!!!!!!! Get the idea? You'll soon get back to your old self----------I mean that in a diverse way of course KAWAK

[ROCKY]

good points raised why was the mail in the garden
where the bags secure when you got there as in tied up properly,no holes in the bottom etc
you sat the letters where around the date you delivered can anyone proove that they are from that specific day,with the strikes and cut offs etc there are loads off out of date letters floating about
did this bundle cover the parts off the walk you agreed to do
where was the bundle found it could have not been sent out and dumped later or come loose in the van,remember they have to proove you guilty,you dont have to proove your innocence

[not me]

i cant believe they would leave bags in someones garden.
i would throw it back to them and say since the bags were unsecure then thats when the issue happened (if it happened at all on the day you did it)
just tell them you delivered all the mail you had in the bags,end off

[The Bear]

Sorry to hear of the situation that you find your self in. The first thing you need to find out is the agreed security ay to which the bag was left at. All bags at a safe drop need to meet a certain crieteria as laid down by RM. The bag is to be lft behind a counter at a shop out of reach by a customer or in the case of a house in a porch or other secure area away from the public eye. The safe drop also has to be reviewed annually. A full list of safe drops and there expiry is available via the line mamager as it is on the A Plus system in your office. Ask the book room to give you details. If the criteria was not followed i can not see how you can be held responsible. It is unfortunate that you did not know the round however it should not be presumed by short sighted managment that a new recruit would know the round without training.
Do not dwell on this your rep should be able to sort this out. Everyone makes a blunder i am sure you will read of a few more on this site.

[JAMESMARSH1980]

Thankyou for all your comments, its made me feel better,nothing was said to me today apart from could anybody have taken a bundle out of the bag, I said yes as the bags were in a front garden behind a bin but anybody could see them. I do not know where the bindle was found as he didnt say all he said was that it was in order and the date on some letters was the day before I was on the round, I really dont no if I even delivered to the roads in question as I have done so many different rounds the past few weeks its untrue. Spok to my rep this morning and he said not to worry, as it could have been numerous things i.e kids nicking it out of the bag, not even me on the round, or the gaffer trying to come down on me,I will stay strong, as I would never throw mail away and if I keep getting accused I will take legal advice.

[not me]

on a side note i would raise the issue of mail security with them.
at a minimum i would refuse to do that duty if it involves unsecure drop off points

[TrueBlueTerrier]

and if I keep getting accused I will take legal advice.

AFAIK if your in the Union you can get FREE legal advice from their Lawyers - again speak to Union rep if you want to go down this route.