CWU REP DISMISSED FOR BEING A REP

[fishtank]

Dear Colleague

Dismissal: Tony Garrick

You will probably be aware that Tony Garrick the Union Rep in Duns was dismissed in November last year. We were informed that his appeal had failed.

Can I make it clear that this Branch and the Union Nationally are absolutely positive that Tony was dismissed because he was the Union Rep. The fact of the matter is if he had not taken on the job as Rep he would still be employed.

Last year the Branch were pleased that we managed to elect a Unit Rep in Duns Delivery Office. Tony was just the type of rep we were looking for. Tony attended a couple of training courses in the branch and came across as very able rep. Tony became very active as a rep and was challenging managers as he was trained to do. He was appreciated by the members in Duns because for once they had rep in their office that was defending their Terms and Conditions.

Management were not happy that in the Borders they had an active Union rep to contend with so they made trumped up charges and Tony was dismissed in November for allegedly failing his trial period. We expected Tony to be dealt with under the reps procedure but because Royal Mail stated he was not dismissed for conduct it was under the Trial Procedure they refused.

Dave Ward DGSP took his case up with Royal Mail and it was agreed that his appeal would go ahead and before the outcome was declared it would be reviewed by Dave Ward and Peter Walls a very senior manager from Royal Mail HQ. We received the decision and the dismissal still stands. The members in Duns will now be balloted for Industrial Action and if deemed necessary the wider membership may be balloted as well. We cannot allow Royal Mail to get away with treating our reps in this way because there’s no doubt about it if Tony had not become a rep he would still be employed with the business.



Yours Sincerely


Scotland No2 Branch

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I'd walk for this no problems - I've been following this story on here and around the web and through other activists, what Royal Mail did is irredeemable and needs addressing. Will be "educating" my members because this shouldn't happen in modern forward looking business which Royal Mail purports to be.

[cliffeyhez]

Yes, I would also walk for this. Cannot be allowed to happen

[clashcityrocker]

How did he "fail" his trial period?
What does Wardy have to say about it after reviewing the case with Wallsy?

[fishtank]

I'd walk for this no problems - I've been following this story on here and around the web and through other activists, what Royal Mail did is irredeemable and needs addressing. Will be "educating" my members because this shouldn't happen in modern forward looking business which Royal Mail purports to be.

It is in my opinion the most blatant cover up of mismanagement by more mismanagement at such a high level that i've ever seen.
The original decision to dismiss was stupid and petty but you can make some allowances because the manager thought nothing would come of it because the guy was on trial and no-one was likely to make a fuss.

The decision to uphold that decision is completely off the scale stupid,it is asking for trouble to the point where you have to think either that's exactly what they want or we are being led by Curly,Larry and Moe.
They may be testing us,seeing how far we'll go for one of our own,they may come to regret that.
Much as I hate being drawn into a fight that feels set up,in this case I'll happily make an exception.

[fishtank]

How did he "fail" his trial period?

Have completed my first six months and given a new fixed term contract.
Joined union as a Rep and now manager trying to get rid of me by completing my six month probationary period review that is negative towards me.
Am I right in thinking because he sanctioned my new contract he cannot now change his mind and try to do use the probationary 6 month trial.

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... le&u=43582" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[1984]

Why are the voting? If they had any balls they would all walk out

[fishtank]

Why are the voting? If they had any balls they would all walk out

Keeping it lawful.
That way Branch and HQ can officially support it.

[ag000317]

Hello.
I want to say thank you for all the support I have read on this forum. I am the post person mentioned. I started as a postman in March 20012 and had no counselling or disciplines. I started as Rep on 3rd Sept. I was given a new contract on the 21st Sept.
I challenged the DSM a bully about members issues and on the 8th Oct they brought up trial report. This had expired and a new contract issued but they still sacked me as a triallist. Royal Mail and the biased appeal ignored this fact and the obvious discrimination of a Rep. Hopefully Royal Mail will see sense and give me the NAP or we strike and then there is the Tribunal.
Until then my upmost thanks to Dave Ward and my Branch officials. We will win we cannot fail or Royal Mail will do it again.

Tony Garrick.

[fishtank]

Good to hear from you again Tony.
As you already know you have the full support of Scotland No2 and i'm sure the support of all reps and members with any sense throughout the entire union.
I'm also sure both senior and local management will come to regret such a blatantly stupid decision.
Solidarity AG.

[silly suffolk]

all the best tony. you are a cause celebre, and every union member should support you.

[music4essex]

Good Luck Tony and all the best in getting justice

Essex mum

[Stella102]

good luck you will need it against the bullying scum or earth

[barrowc]

Good luck

[LinChong]

Will this be taken up at conference?

"RMT in CrossCountry strike ballot after ‘comprehensive breakdown’
by Pete Murray - 27th November 2012, 10.32 BST

Following what it calls a ‘comprehensive breakdown in industrial relations’, the RMT has announced it is balloting hundreds of staff at Cross Country Trains for strike action in a dispute over ‘intimidating’ performance management procedures.

Cross Country services are based in Birmingham and cover major routes linking Cornwall to Aberdeenshire.

RMT says it will be balloting train managers, senior conductors and on-board catering staff.

The union is also demanding the reinstatement of a union safety rep, Michele Douglass, who the RMT says has been unfairly charged with gross misconduct and dismissed.

General secretary Bob Crow said: “As a result of the total collapse of industrial relations across a whole raft of matters RMT has informed Cross Country that a dispute situation now exists between our two organisations and that we will remain in dispute until all these issues are resolved to our satisfaction.

“In addition, we now have the blatant victimisation of our member Michele Douglass for her trade union activities which is an attack on the RMT as a trade union and its ability to represent and support our members within Cross Country.

‘This vicious assault on our organisation and the right of union reps to organise effectively cannot, and will not be tolerated and will be met with the strongest resistance.

“The union’s executive has confirmed a ballot of all our On Train and Catering Grade members on both the breakdown in industrial relations and in defence of Michele Douglass.

“In both ballots members will be asked to vote for strike action and industrial action short of a strike.

“RMT has informed Cross Country that the union remains available for talks and we hope that management will see sense and take the necessary steps to resolve this dispute.”

The ballot is due to close on Tuesday 11 December."

http://union-news.co.uk/2012/11/rmt-in- ... breakdown/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Our Ref: BR2/14/2

11th December 2012

Dear Colleagues

DISMISSAL, M. DOUGLASS, NEWCASTLE CENTRAL – CROSS COUNTRY

I am writing to advise you that voting in the ballot was as follows:

Question: Are you prepared to take strike action?

Number of Votes Cast 334

Number found to be spoiled 4

Those Voting YES 140

Those Voting NO 190

Question: Are you prepared to take industrial action short of a strike?

Number of Votes Cast 334

Number found to be spoiled 2

Those Voting YES 239

Those Voting NO 93

I will write again shortly.

Yours sincerely


Bob Crow

General Secretary"

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Interna ... eId=166785" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"Our Ref: BR2/14/2

19th December 2012

Dear Colleagues

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

ALL INDUSTRIAL ACTION IS SUSPENDED


BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, TRAIN MANAGERS, SENIOR CONDUCTORS & ON BOARD CATERING – CROSS COUNTRY


Further to my letter dated 13th December 2012, I am happy to report that significant progress has been made in talks with Cross Country. I can confirm that your union and management have been able to move forwards on a number of issues at the heart of the dispute. Although progress has been made, further talks are required to reach a final settlement.

Having considered this matter, the union’s executive has decided to suspend the industrial action to allow these talks to take place. Therefore the strike action which was due to begin at midnight on Friday 21st December 2012 has been suspended. You are instructed to work as normal on 21st December 2012. I would like to reiterate that the union is only suspending the current strike action, if no progress is made in the talks with Cross Country, further industrial action may have to be called.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all on being prepared to stand firm against Cross Country; it is a testament to the solidarity of our members that we were able to make this progress. I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.

Yours sincerely


Bob Crow

General Secretary"

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Interna ... eID=167255" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Without protection, good reps don't stand a chance. Without good reps, there will be no trade unions left to do what they were set up to do.