Prep tests

DorsetPostie · Post by **DorsetPostie** » 24 May 2019, 18:01

Could anyone please let me know the current situation regarding 'prep' tests that are allowed to be carried out. I've searched around here and managed to find some old documents but would like to find out if these are the current 'agreed' (or otherwise!) tests.

The managers in our office have been 'prep' testing (timing) staff from the time they come in until they go out on delivery. This seems to include everything we have to do, such as putting D2Ds on the frames; collecting 'mech' trays and mail/'flats' from the IPS (unsequenced) frames and putting them in the correct 'address slots' on the duty frames; collecting parcel sacks and sorting/putting the boxes / packets on the frames; returning miss-sorts / 'deads' to the appropriate places; redirections; bundling and bagging, collecting SD's / van & postbox keys, etc; loading vans; van checks; etc.

In case it makes a difference (to allowed times, etc):

(a) Quite a lot of the frames have double (or more!) slots
(b) Some of the frames have really bad labelling (raised many times, over a long period, but nothing has been done!)
(c) Many of the staff are frequently moved around to different duties (so, presumably, they won't be as quick as a postie on the same duty every day)
(d) On some duties the 'mech' doesn't come in the correct sequence compared to the frames (i.e. the frames have obviously been changed at some stage but the updated order hasn't been updated for the sequencing machines!)

Cheers!

Postie45 · Post by **Postie45** » 24 May 2019, 19:27

are they testing everyone or just selected people ? I believe there has to be a process followed before someone can get tested in this manner.
All the issues you raise are potential problems with the testing methods.

Post by **SpacePhoenix** » 24 May 2019, 19:45

DorsetPostie wrote:(d) On some duties the 'mech' doesn't come in the correct sequence compared to the frames (i.e. the frames have obviously been changed at some stage but the updated order hasn't been updated for the sequencing machines!)

That will be down to whoever in your DO who is responsible for updating the A+ not having done so. Walk sequencing, walk sorting and batch sorting plans are based on the A+ data, if the A+ data is wrong then the sort plans will be wrong

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 25 May 2019, 01:31

DorsetPostie wrote:Could anyone please let me know the current situation regarding 'prep' tests that are allowed to be carried out. I've searched around here and managed to find some old documents but would like to find out if these are the current 'agreed' (or otherwise!) tests.

The managers in our office have been 'prep' testing (timing) staff from the time they come in until they go out on delivery. This seems to include everything we have to do, such as putting D2Ds on the frames; collecting 'mech' trays and mail/'flats' from the IPS (unsequenced) frames and putting them in the correct 'address slots' on the duty frames; collecting parcel sacks and sorting/putting the boxes / packets on the frames; returning miss-sorts / 'deads' to the appropriate places; redirections; bundling and bagging, collecting SD's / van & postbox keys, etc; loading vans; van checks; etc.

In case it makes a difference (to allowed times, etc):

(a) Quite a lot of the frames have double (or more!) slots
(b) Some of the frames have really bad labelling (raised many times, over a long period, but nothing has been done!)
(c) Many of the staff are frequently moved around to different duties (so, presumably, they won't be as quick as a postie on the same duty every day)
(d) On some duties the 'mech' doesn't come in the correct sequence compared to the frames (i.e. the frames have obviously been changed at some stage but the updated order hasn't been updated for the sequencing machines!)

Cheers!

If he/she wants to test you let them the leaders show us by example ie get them the managers tested first and let your rep note their woeful attempts before the one minute test for that is all it is!

ted_e_bear · Post by **ted_e_bear** » 26 May 2019, 15:53

Let me guess, it's the postie's on crap walks who don't start early, who take breaks etc and say they can't complete who are being tested, it's usually the case, on the other hand if you've got a piss easy duty or work for free and never complain then you're left well alone.

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 27 May 2019, 02:50

That's about the size of it but it is not just about the workload if you can do it or not it is the principle why should you do any extra without recompense just to pay management bonuses!

steve1873 · Post by **steve1873** » 27 May 2019, 17:11

There is only 1 agreed test. A 1 minute test in to an empty frame, with union rep present.

Anything else should be considered intimidation and the "victim" should consider using the grievance procedure for the use of unagreed performance tests being carried out.

DICKIEG · Post by **DICKIEG** » 06 Jun 2019, 18:10

Is this anywhere in writing please

steve1873 · Post by **steve1873** » 07 Jun 2019, 19:30

DICKIEG wrote:Is this anywhere in writing please

Search for "Royal Mail Individual performance standards"

Here is a PDF outlining the position of cwu. As yet there have been no agreed procedures that supersede current individual performance standards.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... UH9DyFJ-K8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

postslippete · Post by **postslippete** » 07 Jun 2019, 19:32

Do you have a porter bringing you the letters and packets when you are prepping??

steve1873 · Post by **steve1873** » 07 Jun 2019, 20:44

postslippete wrote:Do you have a porter bringing you the letters and packets when you are prepping??

Porters are irrelevant with regard prep or sorting tests.

"No member’s performance on inward sorting or preparation should be assessed outside the one-minute tests contained in the IPS national agreement. This is the only process to be used."

clashcityrocker · Post by **clashcityrocker** » 08 Jun 2019, 06:40

Are they actually being individually tested?
Are they being told if they have passed or failed?
What criteria are being used to determine pass or failure?

Or are management simply testing to see if the current resourcing standards are accurate?

DICKIEG · Post by **DICKIEG** » 08 Jun 2019, 07:26

He's saying a job should be fully prepped, in 1 hour and 15 mins start of finish

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 08 Jun 2019, 12:39

DICKIEG wrote:He's saying a job should be fully prepped, in 1 hour and 15 mins start of finish

Get him to show you himself it's no good talking about it if you cannot do it yourself tell HIM!

clashcityrocker · Post by **clashcityrocker** » 08 Jun 2019, 13:45

DICKIEG wrote:He's saying a job should be fully prepped, in 1 hour and 15 mins start of finish

How many items?
What are your resourcing standards?