Really, the damage was done
damaging the USO as far back as the
2010s onwards, one reason for it is due to RM Not offering better prices or offering some type of different product that is cheaper for everyone.
I remember one of my former managers back in 2010, where she pulled out UKMail letters from the fitting of a duty that was on OT (unsure if it's still Whistl now ) , It was meant to show how much of an impact it made to our mail volumes on a daily basis if UKMail delivered their own - she ended up pulling out 7 letters, which was laughable.
forward to 2025, where Evri a parcel delivery firm, is close to being bought out by a RM Rival - InPost, Where they offer much lower prices than RM , as year on year RM pushes the price of a stamp up and makes it
less desirable prices compared to rivals.
the other reason for the destruction of the USO as we all know is ultimately changes in attitude as far back as 2015/2016 onwards where for example you could be
punished for bringing back mail without a valid reason (Willful delay of mail) infact- it could be a sackable offense if done enough times.
Where did That standard go?
It disappeared when Tracked where given more priority when Managers where benefiting from your street delivery performance as far back as 2015/2016, then Mail was started to be given a lesser priority around the same time when you say you cannot complete, even though you was shown office figures shoved in your face saying you can do it "
figures are down" to -if you tell your line manager (COM) that you cannot complete, "
Do what you can in your time"- Also that comes from the CWU too-for turning around and saying- " take it out with you, you might be able to do it"- we all know our areas, we know our streets, we all
KNOW how long it's going to take upon a busy or light day because that's what we are
PAID to do (well not me anymore haha)
But does RM/CWU Actually Listen to us? -NO, because we make sense that's why
So
BOTH RM and CWU are to blame for the changes of attitude that has led to the downgrade of the USO , the recent 4 to 5 years however has been down to pure
logistic killing processes that have ultimately killed off the USO , along with customer care (closure of customer points ) and then killed off any type of Pride, Quality of delivery and Integrity that was once Drilled into everyone's head (Clear Frame, Clear Mind) to....
"It is What It Is, Do what you can"....
No Shame is felt from anyone in RM or CWU that isn't on the streets everyday