...compulsory overtime, sometimes unpaid, and threats of disciplinary action for being unable
to complete rounds in the times given. These are among the wide range of complaints that
CWU assistant secretary Bob Gibson has received in response to the membership survey
that was launched with the last edition. Voice asked Bob for details and what happens next…
These results are very worrying indeed and we urgently need action to address these
problems," Bob begins, adding that he had been surprised by both the depth and breadth of the problem.
"Every region has reported back serious problems – and no one region stands out on its own. Delivery workers from the southeast of England up to Scotland and across to Northern Ireland have sent in complaints."
Altogether, 87.5 per cent of respondents were male and 12.5 per cent female, with 78 per cent full time and 22 per cent part time.
"One significant statistic was that 83 per cent of all respondents were reporting post-revision problems, while the complaints of the remaining 17 per cent were either not revision linked or predated their office’s revision," Bob pointed out. The union feels that this is a
particularly telling statistic, and one that could indicate the root cause of the deteriorating situation on the frontline of delivery.
"Yes of course, there are always difficulties in some offices from time to time for any number of reasons – this is a huge nationwide operation and it can’t ever be completely problem free," Bob admits.
"But it can’t be a coincidence that we’ve seen such a sudden leap in complaints at the same time as revisions are being implemented across the country."
The nature of the grievances does appear to bear out Bob’s analysis, with nearly two-thirds (63.8 per cent) of respondents reporting that they had been 'threatened with discipline' for reporting inability to complete within shift to their manager.
Almost three-quarters (71.4 per cent) said that they had been ordered to work over their time in such situations and just under two-thirds (62.4 per cent) answered 'Yes' to the question: 'Have you ever been denied payment for overtime you have worked?'
TACKLING THE PROBLEMS
Having uncovered the extent of the problems, Bob and his team are now turning their attention to tackling the situation.
"Firstly, many thanks to everyone who took part in the survey. We’ve now got a far clearer picture from the front line and some valuable details in terms of the nature of the problems – now we need to tackle those problems."
And the union’s first step will be to put out a clear clarification in response to what Bob describes as "management misrepresentations."
The CWU will, he continues, be making clear to all of our members that you are not compelled to work beyond your time, that there is no obligation, and overtime is
Bob Gibson not and has never been compulsory
There is a national agreement Pay and Modernisation that provides for a degree of flexibility, but the national agreement is quite clear on this point:
'Where necessary, for example when traffic volumes are unexpectedly high or resourcing issues arise, individuals may be asked and may themselves request to vary their duty times by up to 30 minutes on a swings and roundabouts basis.
Again, individual circumstances will be taken into account and total weekly contractual hours would not change.'
The key point here, Bob stresses, is that this is not compulsory and if you do agree to flex up to 30 minutes you get the time back before the end of the week.
"And any approaches or instructions from managers saying anything contrary to the above should be reported to aCWU rep without delay," he urges.
WORKING TOGETHER
The union plans to issue a formal statement – which they are hoping will be done jointly with the employer – covering off all of these issues and sending guidelines to all units.
"We are also looking at producing an insert in the next edition of Voice that every individual can keep with them explaining their rights," he adds.
"Obviously we are also pursuing the issue with Royal Mail to eradicate this unacceptable behaviour."
