Suspended over strike talk

[Zero1416]

Okay I'm going to try to be as vague as I can here.

Person X was in a group conversation about the dispute and pay deal. Person X said they wouldn't be surprised if deputy managers came in on a strike day. Someone took offence and reported to management Person x making accusations of deputies breaking strike.

Person X has been suspended for 2 weeks. Escorted out the building and still waiting for their formal conduct meeting.

Person X believes they was putting an opinion across not a statement. It was a snippet of a wider conversation.

What can they accuse and pin on Person X. Its not bullying behaviour. Not rumor spreading. Just an opinion.

What can be done and what's the correct procedure to deal with this as I am very worried about Person X and believe its a set up.

[postman2014]

Hes right. No one would be surprised if a manager came in on a strike day.... because they aint on strike us posties are! So he just stated the obvious.

[Zero1416]

Acting managers. Sorry if I didn't make that clear in the post.

[pieoftheday]

Perhaps you are being a bit too vague, must be more to it than that? If not then wtf!! I'd be straight to a solicitor and kick up the biggest fxck and make it personal against the manager that did the suspending

[Dorset Plodder]

Perhaps you are being a bit too vague, must be more to it than that? If not then wtf!! I'd be straight to a solicitor and kick up the biggest fxck and make it personal against the manager that did the suspending

You do realise that the CWU has Legal Aid don't you?

RM has taken a very confrontational attitude to any kind of Strike Activity, and we do really need to watch our backs. Especially Unit Reps ... wouldn'r surprise me if Person X is the Unit IR Rep. They're really gunning for Reps, as if they remove them from the workplace they'll be less communication to those who want to support the Strikes.

[scoobydo79]

I’d echo what others say and would also say the person needs to be proactive rather than reactive now. Get in quick with advice and make it clear there was a private conversation and no insult or accusations were made about anyone in particular

[SpacePhoenix]

What about rule 13 ballots?

[Zero1416]

Person X isn't a union rep but has represented colleagues in the past and fought for them in a few cases. They've never really been universally hated by management though. I always thought they like person X.

Although that's changed now for a reason unknown to me and them.

As far as what they told me they are almost certain they did not mention names. Just a general statement that they wouldn't be surprised if acting management came in on the premise they will get a permanent job role as a manager.

I believe them, as they are always careful about using names, even if it would get them out of a situation they still don't drop others into it.

Our union rep doesn't trust how management is going about this. The witness statements started at one. Then all off a sudden it jumped to 3 then 5. Yet there was strike inbetween. Very odd how suddenly people are coming forward within a space of an few hours

[DirtyHarry]

I wish my manager would suspend me on full pay for a couple of weeks, I could do with being away from the shitshow that is Royal Mail right now.

[redlen]

You mention anything derogatory about your employer, even a comment down the pub, social media etc, you can face a disciplinary for bringing the employer into disrepute for loss of trust and confidence between employer and employee.That includes slagging of the CEO on social media when identified, though named individuals are irrelevent.

[mattick]

Definition of character really, this is ultra sensitive times. Royal Mail for all it's faults has always been a liberal environment, where opinions and banter has flowed freely. This has made people complacent and too relaxed about how one should conduct themselves in a professional environment. If you say the wrong thing in the Police or medical profession, you will struggle to keep your job. I think your guy will survive this time round, I can see Royal Mail struggling to win a ET.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

You mention anything derogatory about your employer, even a comment down the pub, social media etc, you can face a disciplinary for bringing the employer into disrepute for loss of trust and confidence between employer and employee.That includes slagging of the CEO on social media .

I keep warning people of this but some either don't believe me or don't care.

Additionally, needing a password and a username to register and post on RMC, is in no way any protection against Royal Mail identifying people. Anyone can register on here and anyone can "cut and paste" a comment for future use. In fact, I would not be in the least surprised if Simon was a lurking member.

[greengiant]

You mention anything derogatory about your employer, even a comment down the pub, social media etc, you can face a disciplinary for bringing the employer into disrepute for loss of trust and confidence between employer and employee.That includes slagging of the CEO on social media .

I keep warning people of this but some either don't believe me or don't care.

Additionally, needing a password and a username to register and post on RMC, is in no way any protection against Royal Mail identifying people. Anyone can register on here and anyone can "cut and paste" a comment for future use. In fact, I would not be in the least surprised if Simon was a lurking member.

Plus if anyone searched a users past posts, theres probably enough evidence to narrow it down to where they work.

[redlen]

Royal Mail has an entire department analysing posts on social media. As previously stated, it will not be difficult to build up a persons profile through previous activity. Not to mention Royal Mail use web beacons and tracking cookes as well.

[pieoftheday]

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