Not Getting Paid for Overtime

[bobbins]

I am really hoping that someone on here can help me because this problem is beginning to cause me a great deal of stress.

I have been a postie since November last year. I often go over on delivery and never have time for a break and I hardly ever get paid for any extra hours that I do. The management are notorious for not paying the overtime. They resort to tactics like hiding the overtime sheet or not being around when you come back off delivery. If you try to speak to them they become very busy or fob you off with an excuse. Basically it is a lot of hassle and you have to fight to be heard.

If I may try to briefly describe my latest problem:

Two weeks ago (week beginning Sun 23rd Jun) I was put on delivery in a shared van with a new starter for the week. In my experience, when the management know they have two new newbie part timers on a job they will take advantage and not throw out the sorted mail in the morning. Therefore, at the beginning of the week I asked two of the managers directly if they would like me to come in on Weds and Thu (the busy summer slavings days) an hour early to begin chucking both jobs out. They said yes please so I duly came in on those days like I said I would.

Lo and behold, there are two hours missing from my wages for that week. I have tried several times to get a direct answer from the managers since getting my wage slip last Thursday. i am still unsure as to whether or not I am going to be given what I am owed.

I have been unable to sleep last night due to the worry this style of management is giving me. It is my day off today but I'm going to have to go in and ask the question again to see if I'm going to be given the two hours that I'm owed.

This is so not right and it is completely ruining what I think is otherwise a very decent job.

Any help would be very greatly appreciated.

p.s. I am not yet a member of the union (no one has ever asked me if I wanted to join) but I have spoken with our union rep and he is sorting out a form for me to fill in.

[postmanplod69]

Tell your managers if you don't get the hours you are owed you will email Moya at head office telling her they aren't paying you for extra hours worked and see what happens then.

[Ganlum]

I've encountered very similar problems in the past Bobbins.

What worked for me may work for you. Just inform them that due to the ongoing difficulties in claiming overtime you will be working to your time. You don't have to make it threatening or provocative - just state it and mean it. And crucially - do it - if necessary.
You're clearly working for a DOM where the softly softly approach isn't getting results. In truth I don't think that approach works with many!

Imagine the scenario where you were trying to claim hours that you hadn't worked. Instant dismissal in all likelihood.
If your employers aren't paying you what you are due, it's simply a disgrace. Unfortunately you can't get your DOM the sack, but you can stand your ground and make things change.

I would suggest that a couple of days of working strictly to your time (leaving mail in the fitting if necessary) will remedy the non-payment. I really think that making that intention clear will sort things out for you.

Best of luck, know how it feels dude.

[bogstandard]

Being the type of people they are they will agree with your version of events, but with their caveat that you volunteered, which it could possibly be viewed as.
Unpopular i know, but i am aware of this happening to a colleague of over 30 years service.

If it were me i would join the CWU online, much quicker that waiting for your rep.
Email Myra. Don't threaten to do it, DO IT.
Go see your shifty wastes of skin and oxygen and abuse of the title human being and make them aware that you were unhappy and not convinced of their response so you emailed Myra to see what she thinks of it all.

[NWpostie]

This what I did I refused to work over my time, the threat of cutting soon brought the look of horror over the bosses face at the prospect of doing some real work for a change was a sight to behold, usually I am one of the very few people to do the job by the the book, I actually feeling relaxed about it, no stress after all stress is what you make of it, transfer that stress back to the bosses

I have never done any overtime in delivery for a long time due to the back stabbing by the Linos and my "esteemed colleagues" I have never split an OT delivery with anyone since 1995 and now stopped completely.

[gand]

I have been a postie since November last year. I often go over on delivery and never have time for a break

Why do you not have time for a break? you are due one!

[BarnsleyLackey]

Who is Myra/Moya? What's she do? and what's her email address?

[claude]

A simple answer really, DON'T DO ANY OVERTIME AND CUT OFF IF NECESSARY.

[bobbins]

thanks for all the replies. It's good to know that it's not just me.

I would find it difficult to work to time as I am more often than not, partnered with someone. I would hate to think I was leaving the rest of the deliveries for them to sort out! My hands are tied I think.

I am going to join the union online - right now.

I am also going to e mail Moya if this ever happens again. Thanks very much for this tip. It seems like it might work. Is the e mail address for her in the previous post above correct?

[UnhappyGremlin]

Use justsayit@royalmail.com.
Think her name isn't spelt correctly.

[coxie]

It bugs me when people say they don't get time for a break, you get 40mins and if having a break means you can't complete that is a managers problem not yours

[bobbins]

When working in a team - and the other guy is more senior than you and also is the one that trained you up in the beginning never has a break.... so then, how are you supposed to get a break without pissing off the bloke you are working with?? OR we could have a break, finish 1/2 an hour EVEN later and not be able to claim for the overtime.

This is a big problem and always has me rushing right from the beginning of every day.

[bogstandard]

thanks for all the replies. It's good to know that it's not just me.

I would find it difficult to work to time as I am more often than not, partnered with someone. I would hate to think I was leaving the rest of the deliveries for them to sort out! My hands are tied I think.

I am going to join the union online - right now.

I am also going to e mail Moya if this ever happens again. Thanks very much for this tip. It seems like it might work. Is the e mail address for her in the previous post above correct?

you are not letting this colleague of yours down they are ripping the p*ss out of you. you are doing work proper to them and have been for some time with a bye or leave or kiss my ass, or even a BREAK.

When working in a team - and the other guy is more senior than you and also is the one that trained you up in the beginning never has a break.... so then, how are you supposed to get a break without pissing off the bloke you are working with?? OR we could have a break, finish 1/2 an hour EVEN later and not be able to claim for the overtime.

This is a big problem and always has me rushing right from the beginning of every day.

I'm assuming you have different finish times and find it unacceptable that when pairing you up with this person this anomaly was not factored in.
you do not work in a team and you are due to finish at a certain time. if the other does not take a break that is their choice, a choice that is being imposed upon you. Are you happy with this? Clearly not, do something about it don't make excuses. This extra hour or so that you do is work proper to them not you. They will need to go see your managers and explain their problem to the managers this is not your fault or problem.
If you want a break take it.
If you are not going over your tell your colleague to take you back to the office, not when it suits them but before your duty ends so you can return to your office sign in whatever needs doing during your duty time and walking out the door at the end of your duty.
ALL deliveries are planned using RM transport to accelerate you to and from your delivery.

If you get the local rep and they try to convince you to carry on go to area level then divisional level then to HQ.
The only things you need to focus on are you hours and your break. How RM occupies what they pay for is up to them.

[Silly Sarah]

I've had similar issues with those described. Regarding the non payment of overtime...if you are not given a reason for non payment, it is then theft. I've worked in an office where the majority come in early, rush around and don't take breaks. I know it is very hard to swim against the tide. Joining the union will help, you won't feel so isolated. I wouldn't work anymore overtime until these issues with payment and breaks are resolved. Doms like this will try it on. I know its hard, but once they know you won't stand for their abuses, they will probably back off and play fair. Emailing Moya is also good thing. They do investigate these kind of issues. Good luck!

[bogstandard]

Upon reflection i wouldn't even forewarn these scumbags. "Just do it" like the ad says.