Press Release
Unite accuse Royal Mail of draconian practices
25 July 2008
Unite the union has today (Friday 25 July) accused Royal Mail’s flagship office of misusing security systems to help track peoples attendances in order to dismiss employees and increase profit.
Mike Sibley, Royal Mail’s Head of Operations for Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre in Berkshire recently stated in the national press that he is tackling absence through rigorous management in order to increase profits.
Mr Sibley was quoted as saying, ‘Royal Mail has a check in/ check out system installed for security reasons. This allows us to keep track of people’s absences and spot patterns. Sometimes, showing a worker proof of an absence pattern is enough to change behaviour. When that isn’t enough, dismissal can become the only option.’
This approach has resulted in low staff morale, confirmed over these last few years in there own independent employee opinion surveys, high turnover of staff and volatile employee relations. It is this same simple minded approach that has not allowed Mr Sibley to explore other areas linked to absenteeism such as Health and Safety, working conditions and staff involvement and participation.
Mike Sibley claims that he has saved £300, 000 in the first 6 months in this more rigorous approach.
Paul Reuter, Unite National Officer said: "The statement made recently in the National Press by one of the senior managers at HWDC highlights the draconian and dictatorial approach being adopted by Royal Mail. They would be better suited in involving their staff and engaging with the trade unions to help resolve these issues.
"Royal Mail needs to get to the root of the problem and stop this short term detrimental effect. Royal Mail needs to come into the modern era and get one step ahead of the competition. After all, it is the people that make the profits and it is this foundation that will be paramount in ensuring our survival within the deregulated market."
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