Royal Mail strikers sacked for saying 'scab' on social media in 'attempt to remove union'

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/royal-ma ... g-29297334

The Communication Workers Union claims a large number of the suspensions involve the alleged use of the word “scab” - a name given to workers who break strikes and cross picket lines



Striking Royal Mail workers have allegedly been suspended or even dismissed for using the word "scab" on social media, a union claims.

According to the Communication Workers Union, more than 150 of its members at the postal giant are currently suspended directly as a result of a wave of industrial action.

Royal Mail says the figure is just over 70, but acknowledges there have been 375 disciplinary cases since strikes began last year.

The CWU says a disproportionate number of those suspended are its reps within the company.

It claims a large number of the suspensions involve the alleged use of the word “scab” - a name given to workers who break strikes and cross picket lines - either in depots or in personal posts on social media.


A CWU spokesperson said: “At no point have these cases involved intimidation. In fact, it is the company that has questions to answer on this front.”

The union added: “We are seeing a level of attacks, suspensions and dismissals of CWU representatives that we have never witnessed before.

“This is a clear attempt to remove the union from the workplace and produce a lower paid and compliant workforce.”

The union is locked in a row with Royal Mail management, led by under fire boss Simon Thompson, over pay, conditions and job security for staff.

More than 115,000 postal workers have already carried out a series of strikes.

Labour MP Ian Lavery said the number of suspensions “looks like discrimination.”

Royal Mail allegations against those who are suspended cover various behaviours, including offensive and bullying language.

It added that “inappropriate use of social media, including the use of the word ‘scab’, is a contributory factor in a disciplinary decision.”

A spokesperson added: “In a strike setting, the term ‘scab’ has been a widely recognised derogatory term used to cause offence and intimidation for decades.

“This language has no place in any civilised workplace.

“We have zero tolerance for any form of bullying or harassment, and we will investigate every incident and allegation and take swift action to discipline the individuals involved appropriately.

“Since the start of the industrial action, Royal Mail has regularly reminded colleagues about appropriate behaviours and use of language online and in person.

“This included a specific communication highlighting that ‘scab’ was inappropriate when directed at a fellow colleague.”

Royal Mail has been accused of keeping tabs on posties - including flagging when they are stood still.

A Commons hearing this week was told about digital devices that workers carry that can monitor their movements.

Royal Mail chairman Keith Williams says he met CWU general secretary Dave Ward last week.

Further meetings will be “overseen by the board,” Mr Williams told a meeting of the Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee.

[post6675]

People saying this kind of nonsense on social media are the type who will bring this vileness into the workplace to people who cant afford to strike or cross the picket, good riddance,they wouldnt be getting sacked if they wasnt being arseholes on social media. No sympathy

[SSkUNkY]

I fell over on delivery scraped my knee and a scab formed, I ripped it off and threw it in the bin.

[rambo1]

People saying this kind of nonsense on social media are the type who will bring this vileness into the workplace to people who cant afford to strike or cross the picket, good riddance,they wouldnt be getting sacked if they wasnt being arseholes on social media. No sympathy

Well said.

[ArchieG]

'people who cant afford to strike'

Can someone please please explain what this means? As someone who believes in solidarity, workers' rights, dignity and the protection of employees, present and future, I'm finding this oft-repeated soundbite really hard to fathom.

[sfxdby]

If you really need the money you should be signing on with an agency and working elsewhere on strike days.
Otherwise ... you are a leach, no?

Who are these fascists that think they can control what we say?
I do not find the loss of freedom of speech as a step towards a civilized society.
Absolute rubbish.
I hope they are taken to court and then made to pay.

[SSkUNkY]

A scab is a scab. end of.

[Shadedpostie]

Sorry, no goddamn sympathy for those that can't keep their mouths shut and opinions to themselves on social media and in workplace. Whole damn point of the picket line is try to convince those that are possibly thinking of going in to work to believe in the union. Name calling does the opposite of that. Good riddance I say, don't let the door knock your ass on the way out. No tolerance to bullying of any kind, that's with management or stupid posties. The Union should 100% be asking postman to not put themselves in the land of fire like this where management are clearly watching them. Makes them look bad if they defend these guys.

[DirtyHarry]

'people who cant afford to strike'

Can someone please please explain what this means? As someone who believes in solidarity, workers' rights, dignity and the protection of employees, present and future, I'm finding this oft-repeated soundbite really hard to fathom.

Same here.

I know people with mortgages, kids, bills to pay, who went out on strike every time they were asked to.
How could they afford to, then?

[guardianangel]

If you really need the money you should be signing on with an agency and working elsewhere on strike days.
Otherwise ... you are a leach, no?

Who are these fascists that think they can control what we say?
I do not find the loss of freedom of speech as a step towards a civilized society.
Absolute rubbish.
I hope they are taken to court and then made to pay.

[Shadedpostie]

'people who cant afford to strike'

Can someone please please explain what this means? As someone who believes in solidarity, workers' rights, dignity and the protection of employees, present and future, I'm finding this oft-repeated soundbite really hard to fathom.

I know people with mortgages, kids, bills to pay, who went out on strike every time they were asked to.
How could they afford to, then?

Different folks, different scenarios. All depends on what hours you are contracted to or what they have left in the tank. I'm on a part time contract and did ZERO overtime throughout the whole thing. Paying for it now since any scrap of what's left of overtime goes to the usual suspects that come in for nothing but then finish early, taking more hours in the office. Or funny enough, are the people to first slag those that close the picket line but will jump and claw at any overtime available the very next day My mentally is now f**k both the company and those that even open their mouths about those that choose to come into work. Not even in a good way financial wise due to my choice, haven't even decided what I'm going to do in the next strikes. Ain't staying in this s**t show of a company any longer that's for damn sure.