GESTAPO TYPE MANAGEMENT

[Budfrog]

CWU (and CMA for that matter) need to be proactive and address this issue head on. B&H has reached epidemic levels and is now so common place that it's almost become an accepted part of working life at RM as staff have become desensitised and disillusioned.

Senior management know precisely what is happening but publicly claim that there isn't a problem - with blatant disregard to the welfare of their staff. Even when managers are found guilty of the offence it's a simple rap on the knuckles and maybe a move to another office, area or function - it should be no less than a P45 for this offence and a warning to future employers in the shape of a negative reference.

Step 1 should be a questionnaire to all OPGs from CMA to gauge the level/nature of the problem (It's shame it can only be to union members only) - rather than waiting for complaints to come in. Step 2 is to publish the results (and not just within RM) and confront management in a very public manner as behind closed doors we all know what happens.

[LinChong]

Employee surveys show we are happier than employees in the private sector. However, bullying and harassment is too high and is mainly caused by clumsy implementation of Head Office HR policies made by graduates who have no experience of operations and no commitment to the Royal Mail.

Privatisation is likely to demotivate staff and this will lead to the public getting a worse service.

The way to improve all of the Royal Mail Group is to improve the quality of Head Office. We should abolish our graduate entry scheme and replace it with a fasttrack scheme open to all employees provided they have had five years on the job, starting on the shopfloor. Our Chief executives should have worked their way up from the bottom.

[dvbuk55]

Employee surveys show we are happier than employees in the private sector. However, bullying and harassment is too high and is mainly caused by clumsy implementation of Head Office HR policies made by graduates who have no experience of operations and no commitment to the Royal Mail.

Privatisation is likely to demotivate staff and this will lead to the public getting a worse service.

The way to improve all of the Royal Mail Group is to improve the quality of Head Office. We should abolish our graduate entry scheme and replace it with a fasttrack scheme open to all employees provided they have had five years on the job, starting on the shopfloor. Our Chief executives should have worked their way up from the bottom.

Yes I believe some of them have

[Stella102]

forget about management, tension between posties is at an all time high, we regularly have confrontations which nearly get taken outside. Management are too scared to intervene let alone dish out anything.

[fishtank]

Step 1 should be a questionnaire to all OPGs from CMA to gauge the level/nature of the problem (It's shame it can only be to union members only) - rather than waiting for complaints to come in. Step 2 is to publish the results (and not just within RM) and confront management in a very public manner as behind closed doors we all know what happens.

I agree with Budfrog,there is a real danger that by addressing any incidents individually the union is not only seen as incompetent in it's handling of the situation but more worryingly seen as complicit in the wholesale covering up of what is despite both party's unwillingness to accept it....an epidemic of bullying and harassment.

There is a saying that if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem and allowing Royal Mail to systematically intimidate a large proportion of the workforce and then only reacting to the most severe cases if they happen to be waved under your nose is no solution.

Seeing a large employer treating it's staff like s**t is really not that much of a shock in this day and age....watching a union attempt to at least downplay it if not cover it up entirely is truly shocking,embarrassing and sickening.
If anything were to make me reassess my membership it would be something like this.

[music4essex]

If you were an ordinary member in a D.O. would you "do the job properly"?
Facing intimidation,bullying,harassment daily,

I do but consistently get B/H

as many of you know i have been through this for the last two years.

Even though my local area reps are on the case it seemes that when it goes to head office it is sent back down to local level and yet my managers still persist on the stance of harrasement/bully

to the case of actually making me cut off up to 3 times a week because they keep me indoors for an hour while all other delivery posties go out,
In yet another meeting last week
between cwu and management I have to go for another atos report

My manager uses the excuse atos says I am only to do a 3hr delivery but my delivery can take anything from 2.50 to 3.45 each week , I asked to go out earlier , but he refuses, so it leaves me to cut off, he even put it in letter to cut off

Now I have to put in two B/H forms to head office ,and reading what I have on here does not give me much hope,
Essex mum

But at least I have tried

[tommyrep]

Cortina

So what have you personally achieved in your " isolation " ? Have YOU negotiated better terms than you would have got via the union ? Possibly, yes as managers do have a talent " to use and abuse " without the individuals even being aware of it -ignorances bliss !!
In my experience YOU are exactly the type of person the "bully boy " managers target for more attention, that is unless they are exploited as office spy's or treated like a teachers pet !!

Well I would presume that "personally" he gets some satisfaction from the fact that he is no longer prepared to support an organisation which is falling way too short on results. A little like buying rotten fruit from the market stall - you wouldn't would you. As for isolation................sadly not all that isolated in terms of union membership these days, many people particularly part timers see little point in joining as they do not see any tangible return on the money they are expected to pay. Of course recent revelations only add fuel to the furnace when they see reports that union funds are allegedly being abused.

So "personally" he has achieved nothing - fact, apart from £3 or so in his pocket. He is a lone voice whereas all other members contibute towards an organisation that negotiates with RM nationally for the benefit of it's members. Whereas he sits back and "takes" and will gladly accept any benefits that can be redeemed from these efforts and contributes nothing - it appears obvious they - the union - do not to get enough to keep the people outside the circle happy, free loaders !!!
In my opinion they should not be included in any benefits derived from the efforts of other members financial support of the negotiators on their behalf.
In "isolation" he has no voice either, so what else can he do ? apart from sitting back and griping about the unions failings !
It is hardly his place to complain about an organisations failure to improve his lot, regardless of what is seen as a tangable return on someone elses dues, when he is not a member. The major advantage of being a member of any union is that unity is the biggest and best way to approach an employer like RM. It also provides a valuable insurance need if required against a bullying employer when legal assistance may be needed (unless they can individually provide the neccessary funding themselves) to challenge an employer who does not hold the best HR record in regards to conduct code dismissal cases. Once there is a fragmented employee base the employer gains more strength and will severly punish those with the little protection that a union can provide.

[fishtank]

I think the argument that non members should refuse any benefits gained by the CWU only really works if they are allowed to refuse the downside that comes with negotiating those benefits so would they be paid for D2D,receive their shift allowances back,return to early starts,single delivery methods etc,etc.

I also don't hold the view that a non member cannot comment on or criticize anything as long as they are honest with their position.

We need to move away from the us and them mentality and look at why,when union membership brings obvious benefits are members leaving or non members not joining.
At the end of the day if you remove those who will never join a union for political reasons from the equation it doesn't leave much that cannot be at least partially the union's fault whether it's apathy.disengagement,poor organisation or just plain incompetence.

[dvbuk55]

Cortina

So what have you personally achieved in your " isolation " ? Have YOU negotiated better terms than you would have got via the union ? Possibly, yes as managers do have a talent " to use and abuse " without the individuals even being aware of it -ignorances bliss !!
In my experience YOU are exactly the type of person the "bully boy " managers target for more attention, that is unless they are exploited as office spy's or treated like a teachers pet !!

Well I would presume that "personally" he gets some satisfaction from the fact that he is no longer prepared to support an organisation which is falling way too short on results. A little like buying rotten fruit from the market stall - you wouldn't would you. As for isolation................sadly not all that isolated in terms of union membership these days, many people particularly part timers see little point in joining as they do not see any tangible return on the money they are expected to pay. Of course recent revelations only add fuel to the furnace when they see reports that union funds are allegedly being abused.

So "personally" he has achieved nothing - fact, apart from £3 or so in his pocket. He is a lone voice whereas all other members contibute towards an organisation that negotiates with RM nationally for the benefit of it's members. Whereas he sits back and "takes" and will gladly accept any benefits that can be redeemed from these efforts and contributes nothing - it appears obvious they - the union - do not to get enough to keep the people outside the circle happy, free loaders !!!
In my opinion they should not be included in any benefits derived from the efforts of other members financial support of the negotiators on their behalf.
In "isolation" he has no voice either, so what else can he do ? apart from sitting back and griping about the unions failings !
It is hardly his place to complain about an organisations failure to improve his lot, regardless of what is seen as a tangable return on someone elses dues, when he is not a member. The major advantage of being a member of any union is that unity is the biggest and best way to approach an employer like RM. It also provides a valuable insurance need if required against a bullying employer when legal assistance may be needed (unless they can individually provide the neccessary funding themselves) to challenge an employer who does not hold the best HR record in regards to conduct code dismissal cases. Once there is a fragmented employee base the employer gains more strength and will severly punish those with the little protection that a union can provide.

You speak tommyrep exactly as you would expect a die hard supporter of the union regardless of its failings - which some are not prepared to countenance - even for £3 a week. He is more than likely NOT a lone voice in his office. Many offices have fewer union members than non members, many offices don't have a rep so who do you think the managers speak to? The union is no longer the knight in shining armour tommy riding to the rescue - more two little boys on the same horse. Well I would hesitate to call non members free loaders - they have been subjected to the same increase in workload, less pay and bullying...........so I wouldn't exactly call it free. As for legal assistance..............well I would suggest that there are employment laws and in fact the union do not support as many tribunals as they do support. Who do you blame for the fragmented employee base then tommy - there are a myriad of reasons but fundamentally the union are to blame.

[tommyrep]

I think the argument that non members should refuse any benefits gained by the CWU only really works if they are allowed to refuse the downside that comes with negotiating those benefits so would they be paid for D2D,receive their shift allowances back,return to early starts,single delivery methods etc,etc.

I also don't hold the view that a non member cannot comment on or criticize anything as long as they are honest with their position.

We need to move away from the us and them mentality and look at why,when union membership brings obvious benefits are members leaving or non members not joining.
At the end of the day if you remove those who will never join a union for political reasons from the equation it doesn't leave much that cannot be at least partially the union's fault whether it's apathy.disengagement,poor organisation or just plain incompetence.

Fishtank

My point was that as they are not within the scheme of things - by personal choice -, their apparent right to complain or pick fault loses a lot of credibility. Those people who are not in a union for political reasons are usually the most vocal, like the people who do not vote are normally the biggest complainers about government decisions!
They have no other option and can only accept the deal on offer as they have no other choice open to them.
The Union structure is not perfect and I firmly believe that a more proactive response from our area and national level officials is badly needed. No doubt in my opinion that may encourage non-members to join.
I do firmly believe in freedom of speech and everyone has a right to express their views and opinions, I also welcome open debate which is constructive. I also accept that there are many aspects of the 2010 agreement that were not good for many members with the D2D's being the worst example in a poor agreement, but unless they have left the union since it's implementation, we put our faith in our leaders to get the best deal for our members - the non-union staff had no input what so ever. Sorry but it has now become a case of us and them now, and my gut sense is that you may be right as to things having swung too far, but if we do not go forward as a united force we will be doomed to failure

[tommyrep]

dvbuk55

I do not profess to be a night in shining armour and you may be right about some offices having less members than non-members, but I will always maintain that if a workforce is united regardless of union membership - management would take a slightly different stance. I am not relic from union strength of the 70's, but I do see the dangers of RM's management tactics. They thrive on the division between staff members whether union or not, eg early starters/non break takers as compared to the ones who only wish to work their contracted hours.
Who does the manager in your reference go to when office matters are to be discussed, like weekly RM meetings ? or does he run the office like Stalin, bullying and intimidating staff at his whim ?
My wish and aim is only to see some level of fairness and respect displayed by management towards an ever more disillusioned staff, I am not some militant trouble maker !

[dvbuk55]

dvbuk55

I do not profess to be a night in shining armour and you may be right about some offices having less members than non-members, but I will always maintain that if a workforce is united regardless of union membership - management would take a slightly different stance. I am not relic from union strength of the 70's, but I do see the dangers of RM's management tactics. They thrive on the division between staff members whether union or not, eg early starters/non break takers as compared to the ones who only wish to work their contracted hours.
Who does the manager in your reference go to when office matters are to be discussed, like weekly RM meetings ? or does he run the office like Stalin, bullying and intimidating staff at his whim ?
My wish and aim is only to see some level of fairness and respect displayed by management towards an ever more disillusioned staff, I am not some militant trouble maker !

I'm not suggesting that you are a 70s throwback nor a knight in shining armour but there is a tendency to blame anyone but the union, it's organisation at shop floor level, poor communication, poor agreements. How many offices do not have reps, how many where there is low membership, how many where the agreement is not adhered to? You see my opinion is that there should be less in the way of a reactive stance and a more pro active stance. The union should know the answer to those questions and organise area coverage where no reps exist. Because the union has relied far too much on local agreement within the national guidelines the result is a huge divide in acceptable practices. In order to rectify this the union must withdraw from the "Joint" activity and return to actually representing the membership and not merely a mouthpiece for Royal Mail. Unless the union becomes more member friendly with open negotiation and true financial accountability I am afraid it is a downward spiral.

[Martin Walsh]

The CWU cover over 100,000 indivduals in over 1500 delivery offices and SPDOs , in 60 mail centres , In Cash Centres , in RDCs , VOCs , MEDCs , and in Post Offices throughout the UK.

There are 6 national offices on the Postal Side , Dave Ward , Ray Ellis , Terry Pullinger , Bob Gibson and Andy Furey they all have different roles. Andy leads up on Post Offices and Cash Centres , Bob on delivery issues and cleaners , Terry on mail centres , Quadrant , VOCs and RDCs , walk buddling centre and Jersey post, Ray on Romec issues and HR , IR procedures. Dave deals on all remuneration issues , pensions , privitisation , compettion.

There are 17 Postal Executive members. The fact is the reason why the CWU has a regional , divisional, Branch and local structure is that headquarters cannot represent every office indivdually. Each Branch recieves a rebate to organise the offices within their branch in line with both union and branch policy.

Whilst a lot of Branch`s do this to the best of their ability some do not do it very good at all. Unlike many other unions we still have a local rep and a framework for that rep to abide by. Most reps do a good job under difficult cirmcumstances getting in the neck from members over issues such as absorption.

Now no one should be bullied at work from a manager or indeed a co -worker. If you have ever had to deal with a person who has burst into tears due to be harrassed then you will know how wrong it is.

The union is asking people to come forward if you are being bullied we need to expose your injustice and get mangement to listen at the top.

Now those who want to join another union or not be a member of any union that is your right as we ceased to be a closed shop over 3 decades ago.

However if your joining another union then realise your new union wont have the right to negotiate on your behalf unless it gets over 50% of the workforce and then it can ask for a ballot. So no chance.

If you are not in the union enjoy the benefits you get and if you dont like stuff being introduced you might as talk to the wall as Royal Mail will not listen to your voice but hey you have saved the price of a pint but now you have no voice , but realise you will never have any influcence on your working conditions again , with what we face over the next few months.

Now lets deal with the issues within delivery offices they range from the issue of 100BSi , later starts , failed revisons , bullying and harrassment , the upper decile , non use of proper equipment.

There was a stormy national meeting where some of the above was discussed and Steve Cameron has written to the CWU confirming some issues.

Equally if something is wrong in your office take it through the framework , make a noise dont suffer in silence as no one will hear you.

[dvbuk55]

Well it's going to be representing under 100,000 unless it pulls its socks up. Perhaps there is a problem in delegating responsibilities, a certain laxity in recognising problems and an even bigger laxity in dealing with them. Are the full time officials fully occupied? Are they fully conversant with their area? For example how many officials have visited offices to reinforce the necessity to do the job properly in support of the unit reps? Lets face facts there needs to be a drastic shake up of union practices from top to bottom and mostly at the top.

[hampshireman]

I think the argument that non members should refuse any benefits gained by the CWU only really works if they are allowed to refuse the downside that comes with negotiating those benefits so would they be paid for D2D,receive their shift allowances back,return to early starts,single delivery methods etc,etc.

I also don't hold the view that a non member cannot comment on or criticize anything as long as they are honest with their position.

We need to move away from the us and them mentality and look at why,when union membership brings obvious benefits are members leaving or non members not joining.
At the end of the day if you remove those who will never join a union for political reasons from the equation it doesn't leave much that cannot be at least partially the union's fault whether it's apathy.disengagement,poor organisation or just plain incompetence.

Fishtank

My point was that as they are not within the scheme of things - by personal choice -, their apparent right to complain or pick fault loses a lot of credibility. Those people who are not in a union for political reasons are usually the most vocal, like the people who do not vote are normally the biggest complainers about government decisions!
They have no other option and can only accept the deal on offer as they have no other choice open to them.
The Union structure is not perfect and I firmly believe that a more proactive response from our area and national level officials is badly needed. No doubt in my opinion that may encourage non-members to join.
I do firmly believe in freedom of speech and everyone has a right to express their views and opinions, I also welcome open debate which is constructive. I also accept that there are many aspects of the 2010 agreement that were not good for many members with the D2D's being the worst example in a poor agreement, but unless they have left the union since it's implementation, we put our faith in our leaders to get the best deal for our members - the non-union staff had no input what so ever. Sorry but it has now become a case of us and them now, and my gut sense is that you may be right as to things having swung too far, but if we do not go forward as a united force we will be doomed to failure

Am assuming (could be wrong) that 'us and them' is Union vrs Non Union?

And you wonder why there is divide!!!

I have said on here before that I am not a Union member... But I have values .. in that I would support by not crossing picket lines...

But what really gets my Goat.. Is that CWU have never encouraged me to join. Have had one conversation with my Union rep (in this office) in the last two years ..

Day One ... 'Would you like to join the Union' Me: would think about it but there are some questions I need answering.

End of conversation . No further contact.

Where is the encouragement?