Why does my union rep, work against me. What can i do ?

[space1999]

I have a union rep, who when under a repick, i had the seniority, i was doing full delivery at this time, and i had a 35 hour contract, a full time contract became available, it was driving a combi van, which i couldn't drive, due to my health condition, as it was too low. There was a transit van in the office, which i had been driving, but he didn't offer to change the van for this cover duty, so i could do it, he wouldn't let me change the duty in anyway,and as i wasn't full aware, of what my rights were, i lost full time hours. My health got worse, and i was moved to the phg duty, which i was covering on overtime, up to full time hours. we then merged with another office, this union rep, tried to get rid of me during this process, he was telling other members of staff, if i can't do the job, i should lose my job. It was only my manager fighting for my rights, that kept me my job, during this time i have been bullied and harassed, but felt unable to speak out, due to the position i was in. I put in a grievance 20 months ago, 16 months ago i had the interview, but nothing more has been heard. During another repick in this office, the same union rep, let someone else, change a duty to fit with their health condition, which i feel discriminates against me, i really don't know what to do, as i should be able to gain full time hours like everyone else, even though i can no longer do outdoor work, but there is indoor work, that i could do. Please can anyone help me ?

[daveyeff]

go round him. speak to the branch. tell them the same as what you've put on here.

[space1999]

I did, they only seem to believe him, he quotes that it was him that saved my job, but i know the truth, so it makes me out to be an ungrateful liar. i am paying the union to support me, but i am getting to the point where i don't trust them.

[daveyeff]

if you feel you are being misrepresented, I am sure you don't have to stick with him. get in touch with hq by email or phone, tell them you're concerns. there was a guy at ours who did it and after their investigations was allocated a different rep. you might want to tell the branch you are going over their heads and it may alter their stance.

[space1999]

I did contact head office a while ago, before the rep, made changes to another members duty, to make them full time, but i just got the reply, that this rep was doing everything they could on my behalf. i just feel discriminated against, but nobody to fight for my rights.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The rep should not be in a position to make decisions on Equality, resourcing, dismissal or training of staff. He should only be there to advise the members of their rights, and to represent them either singly or as a group when required. End of.

If he has been doing these things, and you haven't got the wrong of the stick then there is nothing you can so except to complain through the Union that he has overstepped his authority. Its also doubtful that you can do anything about him directly, such as a personal grievance, because he shouldn't have the responsibility to be able to do what you are describing.

However, Royal Mail managers do have the responsibility and that's where you should direct any grievances if they have failed under any obligations imposed by the Equality act, or if they have not followed any agreement. Simply put it might be that you haven't got this resolved because you were aiming at the wrong target.

[space1999]

Thank you very much for your informative post, i do believe the union rep, is overstepping his authority, and he is also giving mixed messages, to a lot of members, i will definitely be complaining to the union, on this matter.

[mightyowler]

Another case of the Cwu selling its members short.

[space1999]

Thank you I do feel a part of the CWU has let me down, as they will only believe what the rep seems to tell them, not the true facts, and i am paying the CWU to protect my rights, of which i have been doing for a number of years. It makes you feel discriminated against, by Royal Mail and the CWU, and you loose faith in them both.

[mightyowler]

Thank you I do feel a part of the CWU has let me down, as they will only believe what the rep seems to tell them, not the true facts, and i am paying the CWU to protect my rights, of which i have been doing for a number of years. It makes you feel discriminated against, by Royal Mail and the CWU, and you loose faith in them both.

I know how you feel pal, at our place the ones claiming to fight the injustices in the workplace, create the injustice.

The union is an extension of the management at our place.

[space1999]

I couldn't have put it better myself.
I think it depends who you are, whether your face fits.!!!!