signing on a duty

[postiebilz]

hello im new to this and not sure really how to do it.i have a question.there was recently a duty advertised at our office.i applied for this and didnt get it.i missed out by one but the person who applied for this walk decided not to do it as he wants a transfer.should the walk be offered to me as i was next in line.?i believe that the union rep who was sorting the applications out has got ti in for me for some reason.another postie applied for this duty but he had the pick of two and he chose the other duty and hes been on the duty for 3 days and has decided he doesnt like it.somethings telling me that the person who sorting this out is hanging on for the postie to come off the duty thst he didnt like and apply for the duty that i was next in line for as the walk is going back up on the board.why wasnt i offered this duty as i was next in line?ive been at royal mail for 3 years and i have been on the walk thats been advertised for the whole 3 years ive been there and i dont think ive been treated fairly over this.i would be gratefull if someone could answer this question as im thinking about taking it further.thanks.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Your post is a little confusing but what you probably need to do is download the MTSF agreement in downloads and read up on it.

As far as I know the salient points are that people who apply for a duty and get it can't apply for another one for 12 months, but I can't remember anything about if they want to go back to their old duty.

Another salient point is that once a duty becomes available it should be advertised and everyone must have a chance to apply for it. So if its okay for someone to return to an old duty (which I am not certain it is) then the duty he vacated might have to be re-advertised.

[rehabron]

On your first point the postie who received the advertised duty in preference to yourself would have signed for this duty and as the job holder has to complete 12 months in this duty before or until his transfer application is accepted which ever comes first. There is no trial periods on duties so having second thoughts after 3 days has no bearing on the matter.
On your second point just because you were second in line for this duty and just missed out does not automatically place you in this duty as once vacant would have to re-advertised again giving others the opportunity to apply,
The other postie who received one of the two duties and has signed for this duty and is now also having second thoughts is in a similar scenario and will have to fulfil his duty obligation for the 12 month period.
This is the nature of the beast as how could from a management point of view have stability in resourcing if it was the trend for employees signing for duties not completing the 12 month obligation period and how would that leave other colleagues who are waiting in the wings to have the opportunity to better themselves with increased hours or a better contract of employment.

[postiebilz]

Thanks for answering my question.i found out today that the job is being readvertised which is fair enough but my only quarm now is that a person who signed for a full time reserve duty now doesn't like the duty and he says he wants to sign for another duty which is the duty that's being advertised.so basically your saying that the postman in question has to stop on that duty for 12 months whether he likes it or not.thanks for your help.

[coxie]

I think you should be next in line, the other guy who is moving office turned it down when offered and so it goes to the next person as it has not been signed for yet. Regarding the guy on the other duty if he signed for it he he stuck with it for 12 months. We had a few walks go up and I put in for one and got it but decided I'd rather stay on my current duty and so it was offered to the next highest applicant.

[postiebilz]

If that's the procedure coxie I can accept that but he decided he didn't want the duty before all the posties started doing them.there. Were 7 jobs in total but everyone had to wait till week 1 before it kicked in.this postie decided he didn't want the duty on week 6.he didn't even do one day so yes I do believe it should of been offered to me as I ws next.if he'd started doing the duty then yeah I can understand ut being readvertised.also the duty has been vacant for 3 years and I've been doing it ever since.

[coxie]

I also believe it should have been offered to you, if they let him get away with it then then clearly he didn't sign for it as if he did he would be obligated to do that duty for 12 months. It should have then been offered to the next senior person who applied and if that was you then it should be yours. Fight this mate and you'll get it, be prepared to put in grievances and if you feel as though your dom and rep won't listen threaten to go above them, they hate that. Also I have found emailing moya's team very helpful with information. justsayit@royalmail.com

[postiebilz]

Cheers for the info mate.i do want to take this further but in worried I'll make enemys and cause trouble.ive been there 3 years so im still fairly new compared to others.i do believe I've been treated unfairly and I have mentioned this to line managers but its like they aren't bothered mate.even my partner or ex partner should I say has even said this isn't right and has tried for me too.

[coxie]

Exactly, you've only been there 3 years and you probably don't get much of a look in for duties usually so don't let them fob you off. Fight it and if no good get your area reps number and ring him tell him your not happy with your office reps lack of fight for you and ask him for help, you pay for this sort of help don't be afraid to use it.

[postiebilz]

Really appreciate the info mate.im gonna c what happens during the next few days and if no joy I'll contact the area reo.cheets again.ill let U know how I get on lol.

[coxie]

Just let them know that you're prepared to go higher for the correct information if they dot treat you seriously, you might find even the threat of it will change their attitude. In the men time do your homework use that email address I gave you to ask your question and get the official response that will be a good bargaining tool for you.