Strike breakers hiding in the back of vans - question

smokerjim · Post by **smokerjim** » 26 Oct 2009, 20:22

Having read about strike breakers being smuggled into units in the back of vans has got me thinking. Now I think I'm correct in thinking that union members on a picket cannot stop vehicles or pedestrians from crossing a picket line....but what if they knew or suspected that a law was being broken in the process ( specifically someone sat unrestrained in the cargo area ) - could they delay it until a police officer could arrive and investigate? It seems to me it might ruin a strike breakers day if their anonimity is removed and they get fined £60 into the bargain!

Pat Ostman · Post by **Pat Ostman** » 26 Oct 2009, 21:16

Jimmy Carr`s laugh wrote:No seatbelts in the back of vans (or seats !!) so its illegal. Also the letter said that you dont have top wear uniform. What about H&S ?? Double standards is what it is

Since people have been sacked for not wearing it, yes.

opgpat · Post by **opgpat** » 26 Oct 2009, 21:32

No. You are asking about making a 'citizens arrest' which can only be made if the offence is serious enough to warrant in a formal arrest (by police) and a criminal trial. eg assault, theft, vandalism. Non-compliance with seat belt regulations is a fineable offence I would think.

However you could gather evidence and forward it to the police!!!

smokerjim · Post by **smokerjim** » 26 Oct 2009, 22:51

opgpat wrote:No. You are asking about making a 'citizens arrest' which can only be made if the offence is serious enough to warrant in a formal arrest (by police) and a criminal trial. eg assault, theft, vandalism. Non-compliance with seat belt regulations is a fineable offence I would think.

However you could gather evidence and forward it to the police!!!

There is the problem of getting the evidence of someone in the back of a van, if you can't obstruct it's progress how can you obtain the evidence?( trying to open the door to have a butcher's inside may not be the best thing to do

). It leaves it as one group's opinion against the other.....and for a fineable offence the police won't bother. The other thing to do, might be have a word with smeone at your local nick & see if they can send someone down to "police the picket line".....then the pickets can tip the wink about any vans that might have strike breakers in the back ( maybe the manager carrying the strike breakers could also be disciplined, especially if local H&S are informed & the police are already involved )

Night Tonic · Post by **Night Tonic** » 26 Oct 2009, 22:55

As if they don't have anything more important to do

Pat Ostman · Post by **Pat Ostman** » 26 Oct 2009, 23:02

opgpat wrote:No. You are asking about making a 'citizens arrest' which can only be made if the offence is serious enough to warrant in a formal arrest (by police) and a criminal trial. eg assault, theft, vandalism. Non-compliance with seat belt regulations is a fineable offence I would think.

However you could gather evidence and forward it to the police!!!

Also the Police are unable to search the van without IB as they do not have the powers.

smokerjim · Post by **smokerjim** » 26 Oct 2009, 23:13

IPS wrote:
opgpat wrote:No. You are asking about making a 'citizens arrest' which can only be made if the offence is serious enough to warrant in a formal arrest (by police) and a criminal trial. eg assault, theft, vandalism. Non-compliance with seat belt regulations is a fineable offence I would think.

However you could gather evidence and forward it to the police!!!
Also the Police are unable to search the van without IB as they do not have the powers.

That's an embuggerance - would anyone know if IB would intervene if someone reported strike breakers being shipped in in the cargo area of vans, or would they turn a blind eye ( or be ordered to turn a blind eye )?

The only other thing I can think of is trying to get a journalist on the picket line, and get them to start digging.

This hasn't happened at my unit AFAIK, just trying to sow some seeds, and seeing if they grow....

Pat Ostman · Post by **Pat Ostman** » 26 Oct 2009, 23:24

Oh yes I agree, just pointing about the legalities

opgpat · Post by **opgpat** » 26 Oct 2009, 23:45

IPS wrote:
Also the Police are unable to search the van without IB as they do not have the powers.

Is that true? Remember when I started someone said no-one can look in your pouch even shop security? And can managers pat u down?

westlondonpostie · Post by **westlondonpostie** » 27 Oct 2009, 07:52

They used mini buses in my office in 2007 with grey sacks taped over the windows.

krussel · Post by **krussel** » 27 Oct 2009, 08:23

opgpat wrote:
IPS wrote:
Also the Police are unable to search the van without IB as they do not have the powers.
Is that true? Remember when I started someone said no-one can look in your pouch even shop security? And can managers pat u down?

As far as I know if you are stopped by the police driving a RM vehicle and they wish to search it they have to follow you back to the office yard whereupon the van is opened in the presence of a manager.

I don’t think the stop and search powers extend to us. I may be wrong so please correct me.

ROYALMAILCHAT

Strike breakers hiding in the back of vans - question

Strike breakers hiding in the back of vans - question

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Re: Strike breakers hiding in the back of vans - question