Is 'seniority' even legal anymore?

[themailman]

Yeah, I know it is used to create an order where people have the same (theoretical) skills.

But soon it will be the difference between people having to take medical retirement or being re-assigned lighter duties.
Around 10 years ago, our DO, like many, gave generous VR packages to staff who were hitting 60 and had 35-40 years service.
The guys in their early 50's at that time all got sorted (due to seniority) with either indoor, rural driving, or collection and a bit of this/that. Basically catered for as they didn't fancy the prospect of walking the streets for ever increasing hours.
Fast forward a few revisions later and the same guys are obviously still on these or similar duties.
Now though, the problem is there are about 10 chaps in our place at the age that tradionally others have been catered for - they are regularly off sick with work related strains.
What is likely to happen to these guys? This must be a problem that is about to explode in offices over the country, is it fair that seniority of say 25 years at the time grants some people a driving job 'for life' whereas guys with now 30 years service are having to think of leaving the job with a whole in their pension?

[slinder123]

we have similar over 50s teamed up regular with youngsters who like to rush to finish you can see in there faces that they find it getting tougher but they just do there best i think that it is up to the union to make a better formula like teaming up older men together as the body can only take so much a lot say just work your hours but with pressure from managers you are stressed out i feel sorry for them but there you are we are were we are

[IcanthelpthewayIam]

Err equality act trumps seniority so these guys on the easy duties as you put it may find themselves moved against there will if needed and very little they can do about it

[themailman]

Err equality act trumps seniority so these guys on the easy duties as you put it may find themselves moved against there will if needed and very little they can do about it

physically easier I'd say. Driving or indoor work vs 4hr 30 outdoor in all weathers.

so, for instance, if someone who is on a rural driving duty through seniority is capable of doing a walk - they may have to get moved off said duty to accomodate a person who can't medically do the walk anymore? Interesting. There are several chaps in our place who are thinking of just chucking it, with a token pay off.

[Dorset Plodder]

Pre Mech Mail...I think the Old Guys had a Real advantage, due to their in-depth knowledge. Do you remember having to throw off ALL THE Mail? Those Old Guys had been doing it for ages and could make up quite a bit of time....while the youngsters were scratching their heads and running up and down the frame looking for an address.

With Mech Mail everyone's got an even chance and any idiot can throw off another walk (and often do). Those Old Guys have lost that head start.

[enskied]

In answer to your Q.
Yes it is.
Hoverer, where seniority is practiced they can NOT the use suitability as well. It is one or the other across the entire organization. Other wise it it discrimination.

[themailman]

In answer to your Q.
Yes it is.
Hoverer, where seniority is practiced they can NOT the use suitability as well. It is one or the other across the entire organization. Other wise it it discrimination.

but what about seniority vs age related disability which will become the case for many posties in their late 50's/early 60's.

[Tman]

they should be transferred to Mail Centres to do some manual sorting or operate the MECH, it's a lot less stressful and would demonstrate a caring employer...

Thanks for that. Just what MCs need, a load of old boys who can barely use a TV remote operating £multi-million processing plant.
There's enough operators now who struggle with the simplest of operations, without adding in a load of walking dead as well...

[IcanthelpthewayIam]

In answer to your Q.
Yes it is.
Hoverer, where seniority is practiced they can NOT the use suitability as well. It is one or the other across the entire organization. Other wise it it discrimination.

That's incorrect jobs selected by suitability are given to the most senior suitable candidate

[enskied]

In answer to your Q.
Yes it is.
Hoverer, where seniority is practiced they can NOT the use suitability as well. It is one or the other across the entire organization. Other wise it it discrimination.

That's incorrect jobs selected by suitability are given to the most senior suitable candidate

No. Check employment legislation. It is one or the other, not both in tandem. Only suitability because of disability overrides it.

[DB1100]

they should be transferred to Mail Centres to do some manual sorting or operate the MECH, it's a lot less stressful and would demonstrate a caring employer...

Thanks for that. Just what MCs need, a load of old boys who can barely use a TV remote operating £multi-million processing plant.
There's enough operators now who struggle with the simplest of operations, without adding in a load of walking dead as well...

In the same tone some of the fat.lazy work dodging mail centre workers could be sent to D,O 's to embrace the new way of working and then we could have people who can just about waddle to the canteen enjoying the benefits of a 5 hour brisk walk in all weathers.

[Tman]

they should be transferred to Mail Centres to do some manual sorting or operate the MECH, it's a lot less stressful and would demonstrate a caring employer...

Thanks for that. Just what MCs need, a load of old boys who can barely use a TV remote operating £multi-million processing plant.
There's enough operators now who struggle with the simplest of operations, without adding in a load of walking dead as well...

Nice way to talk about your colleagues.....

In much the same vein as the idea of dumping the old and worn-out posties in MCs so the younger and more able operators can carry them? Not much regard for your colleagues there, either.

[fishtank]

In much the same vein as the idea of dumping the old and worn-out posties in MCs so the younger and more able operators can carry them? Not much regard for your colleagues there, either.

If colleagues are not capable of performing the tasks they are paid to do in either function that's a matter for management to deal with, they do have performance standards in MCs I presume? Moaning about colleagues just makes you look like a grouchy old sourpuss Tman which I'm sure you're not, I had you down as the life and soul etc.

[Tman]

What, the same ex-postie management who seem more than happy to let the younger/keener/more able operators carry the deadwood as long as the MC clears every shift? That management?
The worst aspect of the seniority system, the useless rise up to get the best duties regardless of whether they have the abilities to do it or not. Only in RM....

[slinder123]

just thought of a solution but i dont know if it would be accepted i would like some feedback .why dont they put the older ones who are struggling to keep up with the younger staff on a round of there own so that they can work at there own pace they would probably do the job easier without the pressure