We really do work for a bunch of nasty bstards

[paranoid-android]

Royal Mail staff in Torquay are holding a strike ballot over the sacking of a colleague whose van rolled into a bike shed.

The worker parked in the yard of a delivery office, applied the handbrake but did not leave the vehicle in gear.

The van rolled into a bike shelter and the worker was "summarily dismissed" in a "disproportionate" reaction, the Communication Workers Union said.

In a statement, the Royal Mail said it was "disappointed" by the ballot.

Luke Mason, the union's branch secretary said: "The member of staff had worked for Royal Mail for 10 years and their conduct record was 100% clean.

"Nonetheless, they were charged with failing to hear a safety brief, and therefore not leaving the vehicle in gear, and were summarily dismissed."

Mr Mason said the union members were "shocked by this reaction from Royal Mail which seems disproportionate".

The union has decided to ballot for strike action "unless this member of staff is reinstated."

The proposed action would affect all the TQ1 and TQ2 postcodes and could come as soon as the second week in February.

In its statement the Royal Mail said it was: "disappointed that members of the Communications Workers Union are undertaking a ballot for industrial action at Torquay".

"We will continue to follow the national framework for dispute resolution, jointly agreed with the CWU, in order to find a resolution."

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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[rehabron]

I take it that they have a record of who attended the safety brief?

[bydand91]

Nothing surprises me with this lot,it's the same from the top,they don't give a shite.

[krussel]

Was the parking by the sheds on a steep slope.

[maisymoo04]

Applied handbrake and van wasn't in gear ??????? Mechanical fault comes to mind

[chrisj]

I always leave my car and Vans in neutral except on a slope... But some other drivers do leave them in gear and I have had a few surprises - but not a racer so it often a quick jolt.

I know we had a briefing after the accidents with the woman postie and another driver that tried to stop a rolling van but I did not know it was now mandatory to have parked Vans in gear

[Kings Norton]

So what would happen if he left it gear and the floater comes into the van turns it over without thinking- Answer straight into the bike shed. Can't win.

[jack]

Could it be an excuse to get rid of someone else off the pay roll...

[olilew]

Bet he/she was full time!

[Lounge Lizard]

In all the years I've driven a Royal Mail van I've never had a 'briefing'.

[k979aaa]

In all the years I've driven a Royal Mail van I've never had a 'briefing'.

What is worse you could have a debriefing I suggest you take your rep in with you though!

[Jamesethefirst]

So what would happen if he left it gear and the floater comes into the van turns it over without thinking- Answer straight into the bike shed. Can't win.

That is why, you are supposed to start with the clutch pedal depressed,more so when starting a diesel as they are harder on the battery etc,when turning over ,as it were.

[dodgydave]

this is 2014 not 1954 we should not have to leave vans in gear,if there is a problem with the handbrake return them to the dealer until sorted.told them this at the briefing and refused to sign the sheet.

[Zootsuit]

Is leaving vans in gear a nationwide RM policy? If so does anyone know where this is laid down? This is the first I've heard of it. No such briefing at our place.