Poll: are you happy to work?

weary_posty · Post by **weary_posty** » 26 Mar 2020, 18:46

Are you happy to work during this difficult time?

For me personally I have taken to bringing in a box of gloves and using them. I wash my hands before leaving to work, as soon as a arrive and then use gloves. Im practicing social distancing where I can and haven’t been challenged by management YET.

The public are probably the reason why I feel it my duty to keep going. I’ve had chocolates and cards left for me but I’m also fully aware that I am delivering prescribed medication for many vulnerable and elderly people.

I can sympathise and don’t begrudge anyone that doesn’t wish to work in these conditions but for myself I feel it my duty to my customers

PostmanBitesDog · Post by **PostmanBitesDog** » 26 Mar 2020, 18:54

weary_posty wrote:I'm practicing social distancing where I can

Me too. It helps a lot when I eat lots of garlic, onions and tuna sandwiches. And I don't bathe for days. Very effective social distancing actions.

Post by **General Mannerheim** » 26 Mar 2020, 19:13

Is it your duty to end up in a body bag?

malawihap · Post by **malawihap** » 26 Mar 2020, 19:18

General Mannerheim wrote:Is it your duty to end up in a body bag?

As well as the agony you will go through getting this virus, and lets not forget you will soon be replaced and forgotten in RM eyes.
This situation reminds me of that song Billy dont be a hero by paper lace. i would like to come home to my family thanks.

nuisance · Post by **nuisance** » 26 Mar 2020, 19:21

Yes, I couldn't handle the lockdown confinement. On balance I'd prefer to take on the virus.

sorefeet17 · Post by **sorefeet17** » 26 Mar 2020, 19:28

Yeah I don't mind working, it's hard to know what the situation might be like in the coming weeks though, so I might change my mind.

1560loopsayear · Post by **1560loopsayear** » 26 Mar 2020, 19:30

nuisance wrote:Yes, I couldn't handle the lockdown confinement.

Not sure I could either... quite privileged in a way to be getting a lot more exercise than most people out there at the moment. Day off yesterday and it was turgid. That said I would spruce up the bicycle and put some miles in if we were furloughed and didn't need to work.

On a side note...Next has decided to halt their online website. https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 ... strictions" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; The first of the major retailers to 'stop the non-essentials' coming through at source.

Woody Guthrie · Post by **Woody Guthrie** » 26 Mar 2020, 19:47

nuisance wrote:Yes, I couldn't handle the lockdown confinement. On balance I'd prefer to take on the virus.

The reason for lockdown is to protect others not you in particular.

Post by **rambo1** » 26 Mar 2020, 19:50

Once out of the office and out on delivery, it's fine, probably the best place to be out in fresh air. It's easy to keep distance from anyone.
My only BIG reservation is the first 1.5hrs of the day where it is impossible to exercise the 2m social distancing rule. That's where posties are gonna catch and pass on this virus. It's inevitable.

Woody Guthrie · Post by **Woody Guthrie** » 26 Mar 2020, 19:54

Perhaps a better question would be if you knew for definite that you continuing to face a higher exposure to the virus would result in someone else's death are you happy to continue to work?

Too many people are seeing this from an individual perspective as if the only down side from continuing to work could be a few days of feeling like s**t.

ssdd · Post by **ssdd** » 26 Mar 2020, 20:00

I'm happy to work, but not happy with lack of social distancing measures in some mail centres and offices, and also the lack of hand washing facilities on delivery. I don't mind if I get the virus, it's the passing it on to others that concerns me. Am I already doing this without showing symptoms?

My main concern on delivery is with handling potentially contaminated mail and touching other surfaces, thereby causing it to spread. I'm trying to open gates/doors with the back of my hands/arms/elbows and just use my fingers for the mail and letterboxes.

Like you, I feel a certain duty to carry on. There are still important things that need delivered, and all the chat on here about 'non-essential' mail is secondary to the task of providing, what still is, a public service. More so, I feel, at this time.

I think a lot of us, as posties, undervalue our own role within the community. Sometimes it's just as simple as the reassuring sight of the friendly postman coming round at the usual time. That's the ideal. That's what it should be. In these crazy times that could be a comfort to some, even if you are just delivering what is ostensibly s**t.

I feel lucky that I still have a job and will try to help keep RM going. I don't want them to go under, otherwise we could all be working for Amazon...

Startingover · Post by **Startingover** » 26 Mar 2020, 20:04

Well said ssdd

Totally agree with you.

Postie45 · Post by **Postie45** » 26 Mar 2020, 20:07

ssdd wrote:I don't want them to go under, otherwise we could all be working for Amazon...

Sorry I just don't think youre talking it seriously enough, this is about saving lives and RMs continued negligence in providing a safe workplace.
I honestly don't give a toss about my future employment my 100% focus is on mine, my families and the community at larges health.
Sure we could have our cake and eat it however RM is making it clear they don't actually care and it's all about the bottom line.

Gasman11 · Post by **Gasman11** » 26 Mar 2020, 20:08

Excellent post ssdd, entirely my sentiments those too

nuisance · Post by **nuisance** » 26 Mar 2020, 20:12

Woody Guthrie wrote:Perhaps a better question would be if you knew for definite that you continuing to face a higher exposure to the virus would result in someone else's death are you happy to continue to work?

Too many people are seeing this from an individual perspective as if the only down side from continuing to work could be a few days of feeling like s**t.

My understanding is that they (the government/ scientists/ etc) want people to catch it, they just want them to catch it at a rate the NHS can cope with. Particularly the people who will probably survive without hospital treatment. There is no stopping or magicing away the virus and if some people didn't get it and let it run its course the vulnerable would have to stay in lockdown forever. Don't get me wrong, from an individual perspective I want to keep working and I hope I don't catch the damn thing, but also as a healthy, not-too-old female it might actually be kind of a social duty to be someone to cop for this with a high chance of just coming out the other side with immunity. Regarding spreading it, I am glad the vulnerable are being shielded, I am glad the spread is being staggered by the lockdown, and I try, as others should, to follow the government advice on preventing the rapid spread by using social distancing practices. I'll sleep OK remaining at that position unless something new alters my thinking.

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