GHOST OVERTIME AND MANAGERS

[matt_1983]

The nature of our work is different to many other jobs. My opinion on ghost overtime, and the working day in general, is that everyone (managers and us) has to accept that there are so many factors that contribute to how long it takes to complete a job, that you have to acknowledge some will finish earlier than others.

The walks are (i think) planned in detail based on an average walking pace, with input regarding the length of driveways and the number of hills and steps etc

The aim is (should be) to get all rounds more or less equal in time it would take an average postie to complete

When you then factor in the multiple variants such as the differing fitness levels and ages of posties, surely it should be accepted that some will be quicker at getting the job done than others?

And each day will be different, some days some will whizz round with no p739’s needed to be written, whilst another walk might find nobodies home and be spending huge amounts of time writing cards.

Obviously if its clear certain people are finishing 1-2 hours early everyday, then it can be looked at, and maybe question if its due to their natual speed of working or does that walk need adding to.

Regarding ghost overtime, we have all seen the sort of person that regularly doubles up, they tend to be younger and fitter, and perhaps the only way they can face doing such huge amounts of work is to go as fast as they can, thus finishing earlier than the hours theyre paid for. Surely it has to be accepted that hours paid for is not the be all and end all, the amount of work being done has to be acknowledged also.

Anyway, not sure if what ive written has any relevance to this thread, im exhausted and fed up of the way my office is being run right now. To be sending people back out who might be back 40 minutes early, having just walked over 10 miles and done a 9 hour day, just seems cruel to me sometimes. And then Mr Plod-along can come back 50 minutes later and claim 10 minutes overtime, having maybe done an “easier” walk to start with.

[citypostie]

SA is a separate contract between the employee and the employer.

It is what's called a quid pro quo agreement (something for something) and the something we get is guaranteed hours no matter whether there's work there or not. The something they get is an obligation to make yourself available for those hours.

It's time they rewrote that agreement then so all hours paid are worked. Probably won't be any need to because once they've got all the data they will probably just push that sa work onto normal duties to fill the working days up

[greengiant]

Question, matt_1983.
Who is a "better" postie?
One who runs round foregoing their breaks, doorsteps parcels and signs for stuff, thus finishing early, or one who does the job properly (including starting on time), trying neighbours and using the appropriate delivery equipment, but finishes on time or claims docket?

[number one]

Question, matt_1983.
Who is a "better" postie?
One who runs round foregoing their breaks, doorsteps parcels and signs for stuff, thus finishing early, or one who does the job properly (including starting on time), trying neighbours and using the appropriate delivery equipment, but finishes on time or claims docket?

Why does it have to be so black and white? You can get fast posties who don’t run etc

[rambo1]

Question, matt_1983.
Who is a "better" postie?
One who runs round foregoing their breaks, doorsteps parcels and signs for stuff, thus finishing early, or one who does the job properly (including starting on time), trying neighbours and using the appropriate delivery equipment, but finishes on time or claims docket?

To a manager, the first one. They are costing them no overtime. To us, with common sense, the later as they have less chance of tripping , or going off sick with an injury or the cost of making mistakes or losing business. But, hell what do we know. Posties aren't meant to think.

[greengiant]

Question, matt_1983.
Who is a "better" postie?
One who runs round foregoing their breaks, doorsteps parcels and signs for stuff, thus finishing early, or one who does the job properly (including starting on time), trying neighbours and using the appropriate delivery equipment, but finishes on time or claims docket?

Why does it have to be so black and white? You can get fast posties who don’t run etc

You can ask Matt that question as well. Not every postie who needs to claim overtime to finish is a Mr Plod....

[kilrenny]

It's about people coming in an hour early and rushing then getting paid o/t for overtime they have made for themselves

[number one]

It's about people coming in an hour early and rushing then getting paid o/t for overtime they have made for themselves

This makes zero sense

[aiden01]

It's about people coming in an hour early and rushing then getting paid o/t for overtime they have made for themselves

How's that work out..

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I understand what he means.

1. Come in early and prep your own duties.
2. Check OT availability with manager
3. Get out early.
4. Finish Early.
5. Do 40 minutes docket with the hour you "saved" by coming in early.

Does in make sense - No. But that's the logic people use.

[Woody Guthrie]

It does kind of make sense.
It's really just flexible working patterns.
If you start an hour early, finish an hour early then do an hour overtime what you've done is move that overtime to a time that suits you better.

If it was possible to do this officially it wouldn't be a bad system but there's the question of whether the work is there to allow you to start an hour early.

[number one]

It does kind of make sense.
It's really just flexible working patterns.
If you start an hour early, finish an hour early then do an hour overtime what you've done is move that overtime to a time that suits you better.

If it was possible to do this officially it wouldn't be a bad system but there's the question of whether the work is there to allow you to start an hour early.

How have they “made” overtime by coming in early?

[Woody Guthrie]

It does kind of make sense.
It's really just flexible working patterns.
If you start an hour early, finish an hour early then do an hour overtime what you've done is move that overtime to a time that suits you better.

If it was possible to do this officially it wouldn't be a bad system but there's the question of whether the work is there to allow you to start an hour early.

How have they “made” overtime by coming in early?

No idea.
Next question?

[SpacePhoenix]

It does kind of make sense.
It's really just flexible working patterns.
If you start an hour early, finish an hour early then do an hour overtime what you've done is move that overtime to a time that suits you better.

If it was possible to do this officially it wouldn't be a bad system but there's the question of whether the work is there to allow you to start an hour early.

How have they “made” overtime by coming in early?

As far as higher up would be concerned that walk would have scope to have an hours worth added to it as from the PDA actuals they'd see the walk being finished an hour early

[Woody Guthrie]

from the PDA actuals they'd see the walk being finished an hour early

From the PDA actuals it would also see the walk being started an hour early.