Manchester posties strike against bullying

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/ ... t-bullying" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It was a red-letter day for 40 workers, from the Communication Workers Union (CWU), on their picket line on 22 February at the Royal Mail delivery office in Wythenshawe, Manchester. They struck again three days later.

CWU members have struck against "two instances of unacceptable use of the conduct code." The local CWU rep Phil Tickle says they "are just two specific examples of widespread, historic and continuing, unacceptable and unnecessary, behaviour of management towards staff."

Victimisation and unfair use of disciplinary action against two staff members were cited as the catalysts for the current action, which 88% of union members voted for.

One staff member was allegedly disciplined for calling in sick with stress, while another reportedly faced action for allegedly posting a complaint of management bullying on social media.

It was reported that one worker was given a suspended dismissal and both were given forced transfers.

Many workers outside the gates lamented management's totally unacceptable attitude towards staff.

One worker said that staff had "finally had enough" and that the company "needs to realise that it will be easier to replace the small management 'regime' than it will be to replace the entire workforce."

One CWU member said there are now "39 statements from staff about the [management's] unacceptable behaviour, which have never been addressed."

The picket was lively and Socialist Party members were warmly welcomed - six striking workers bought copies of the Socialist, stating: "If you support us, we're going to support you".

The solidarity shown from the rush hour traffic meant a lot to the workers. They were particularly buoyed by shouts and 'sirens of solidarity' from two fire engines - budget cuts could see six fire stations close.

The manager sneering from beyond the depot gates, while they waited for other managers from across the region to arrive, did not dampen the workers' spirits. One worker made the point that "if it's this easy to get managers over here at short notice to cover us, what are they doing the rest of the time?"

Kieran Regan, CWU area delivery rep, said: "Our comrades are stood here today against the bullying culture still practised by some management within Royal Mail. Nobody should go to work to be bullied!"

[hero22]

I have friends who work in other offices and in my own experience in my own office, bullying and harassment is widespread and common. I applaud those who do take a stand like Manchester and Bangor in recent days. I regret that other offices who are suffering don't have the support or for whatever reason cant take that stand. I just wish the union leadership who do a lot of good would take a lead on this and give us another ballot for nationwide action

[PostmanBitesDog]

"The local CWU rep Phil Tickle..."

I know his brother Skep.

[NWpostie]

Seems to be happening a lot lately.

I rmember when we striked in 1988, everybody was shocked as it was the first time we had a strike since 1971, it made big news.

Now that we seems to be having a strike and walkouts on a monthly basis, it barely made the front page which is telling. its happening too often and there is something clearly broken within Royal mail.

[Sir Henry]

"The local CWU rep Phil Tickle..."

I know his brother Skep.

And his sister Tess

[Navalron]

Why don't yous all walk. Then they will need to do something about it instead of the usual :a spokesperson from the company said that issues raised are now being addressed but Royal Mail apologise about the disruption to customers" when we all know they don't give a toss about customers, or so many walks fail now, which was a utter no no several years back. Offices must stand the one another, unlike now and you can see the result= management doing whatever they want. Yes DOMS must be able to manage workers but not at the detriment of posties mental health, bullying and general health. A bit of short term pain for long term gain.

[PostmanBitesDog]

"The local CWU rep Phil Tickle..."

I know his brother Skep.

And his sister Tess

And his barking dog Spec.

[crimson king]

Why don't yous all walk. Then they will need to do something about it instead of the usual :a spokesperson from the company said that issues raised are now being addressed but Royal Mail apologise about the disruption to customers" when we all know they don't give a toss about customers, or so many walks fail now, which was a utter no no several years back. Offices must stand the one another, unlike now and you can see the result= management doing whatever they want. Yes DOMS must be able to manage workers but not at the detriment of posties mental health, bullying and general health. A bit of short term pain for long term gain.

You are quite right of course, but I can offer an answer, or rather an opinion.

I can only comment what it's like in our DO, but there just isn't any unity at all. Nobody knows what's going on with anybody, unless it's happening to one of the several people you happen to talk to on a daily basis. Even then no-one seems to give a crap- everyone is just head down trying to get out the gates as early as possible in the morning and into their cars as early as possible after the last letter's posted.

We get moved off duties that we can't complete in time and fellow posties go on them, smash the crap out of them and not take breaks etc which makes us look like lazy tossers to management. Even the fellow posties think we're lazy tossers, just because we have the temerity to take a break and use a trolley. Part-timers never get to stick their hands up in a gate meeting even if there is one, as they're always held before their start times.

Many in our DO will moan about this and that being unfair and then go all deaf and dumb when you're working with them and trying to get management to take a loop or two off- leaving you to look like lazy, feckless workshy tosser to the DOM just because you had the balls to say exactly what you're colleague was moaning about five minutes prior to being stricken with mute amnesia and chronic shoulder shrugs.

These are the same people who'll stand and watch someone being bullied and then roll their eyes and turn their backs when you step in and try and help.

Basically most are only interested in themselves and couldn't a flying crap about anyone else or what's happening to them, even if they do privately think it sucks.

That's why, in my humble opinion and in our DO anyway, we don't all walk.

[hero22]

Why don't yous all walk. Then they will need to do something about it instead of the usual :a spokesperson from the company said that issues raised are now being addressed but Royal Mail apologise about the disruption to customers" when we all know they don't give a toss about customers, or so many walks fail now, which was a utter no no several years back. Offices must stand the one another, unlike now and you can see the result= management doing whatever they want. Yes DOMS must be able to manage workers but not at the detriment of posties mental health, bullying and general health. A bit of short term pain for long term gain.

You are quite right of course, but I can offer an answer, or rather an opinion.

I can only comment what it's like in our DO, but there just isn't any unity at all. Nobody knows what's going on with anybody, unless it's happening to one of the several people you happen to talk to on a daily basis. Even then no-one seems to give a crap- everyone is just head down trying to get out the gates as early as possible in the morning and into their cars as early as possible after the last letter's posted.

We get moved off duties that we can't complete in time and fellow posties go on them, smash the crap out of them and not take breaks etc which makes us look like lazy tossers to management. Even the fellow posties think we're lazy tossers, just because we have the temerity to take a break and use a trolley. Part-timers never get to stick their hands up in a gate meeting even if there is one, as they're always held before their start times.

Many in our DO will moan about this and that being unfair and then go all deaf and dumb when you're working with them and trying to get management to take a loop or two off- leaving you to look like lazy, feckless workshy tosser to the DOM just because you had the balls to say exactly what you're colleague was moaning about five minutes prior to being stricken with mute amnesia and chronic shoulder shrugs.

These are the same people who'll stand and watch someone being bullied and then roll their eyes and turn their backs when you step in and try and help.

Basically most are only interested in themselves and couldn't a flying crap about anyone else or what's happening to them, even if they do privately think it sucks.

That's why, in my humble opinion and in our DO anyway, we don't all walk.

U must work in my office !

[bexhil palace]

And mine.
And most others I would guess