I don't expect any help from the union as to be honest it is the union that is actively blocking me being able to secure any kind of duty content when a repick is done. They are not interested in even discussing it until it gets to my name on the seniority list even if that means that by the time it does get to me that all suitable duty content has been picked by others.liamlayor wrote:Don't know which Union bod told you that positive discrimination is 'cherry picking', Ratty, but that's about the level of Union knowledge many of us have been subjected to. The funny thing is, they even have a 'disability officer' but I don't know what that person gets paid for, certainly not for their knowledge of the Equality Act. If any of you ever find yourself unfortunate enough to be NEGATIVELY discriminated against because of a disability, don't expect the CWU to help, not even their disability officer. The best thing to do is to argue against managements discrimination then ask for a grievance form (but don't whatever you do, expect a reply) then, within 3 months less one day, submit an ET claim for disability discrimination and harrassment (this is usually applicable).
The Union couldn't give a toss (although they'll try to jump on the bandwagon and claim kudos for having handled the case, even when they haven't) and the only way to make Royal Mail sit up and take notice is for all of us to assert our LEGAL rights ourselves with help from members of this site if needed.
The union is going on the "seniority above all else" rule because doing anything else gets them hassle from a minority of other members who automatically assume that anyone who tries to get work content under the DDA or equality Act are con artists and voice their opinions loud and clear.
In contrast I have found dealing with my local manager to be a mostly positive experience as he has allowed me time off for medical appointments when I can't get them on my days off and allowed me to swap my midweek day off if needed and has been very understanding when I've brought issues to his attention. In fact as a whole, so far it is only the repick process and how the union deals with that which raises my concern over my ability to have access to suitable duty content in the future although I'm sure as I go along there will be other problems that crop up but I'm trying to prepare for them as best I can and reading this forum has helped no end.
I feel I should point out that I don't think the union at my base is intentionally trying to make thing worse for me or have personal reasons not to help but I do believe there is a need for someone at top level union status nationally to actually put clear national guidelines on paper that make all sections of the business operate in the proper manner everywhere in the country and the longer it takes to do this the more people with disabilities are going to lose their jobs due to their cases being handled badly.
