Question:
Can my employer suspend me for incorrect entries on my timesheet?
Answer:
Your
timesheet constitutes a legal document between you and the
employer. The information entered onto this document must
be correct and accurate. For example: If you started work
10 or 20 minutes after you should have, then you should
declare this on the time sheet. The same entry should apply
if you leave work early. This safeguards you from any possible
discipline measure should the employer decide to do this.
Although many workers have flexible start and finish times
with local managements consent, it is always best to cover
yourself. If you are in any doubt about how to complete
an accurate timesheet you must insist that management show
you how to complete one.
Question:
What is constructive
dismissal?
Answer:
Constructive dismissal is where your circumstances
become so difficult for you that you are convinced that
you have no alternative to leave. This can occur, for example,
if your employer makes major changes to your contract, or
your job without your consent, and you find the changes
unacceptable. You must exercise great caution and always
seek expert advice in resigning in this way as it is extremely
difficult to satisfy a court or tribunal that the circumstances
made it impossible for you to continue. Even if you do convince
the court, you will probably not get your job back but may
be awarded compensation instead, which could end up being
quite modest.
Question:
I am being forced to work without a break as there is not
enough time in a day to get all my work done. What can I
do about this?
Answer:
You are entitled to, and must take your legal breaks.
Many drivers fear having benchmarks raised if they bring
parcels back and therefore frequently work throughout the
day without their breaks. Working without a break will lead
to fatigue and illness or even injury. We urge you to get
in contact with us immediately for support if you are experiencing
difficulty with the employer.
Question:
I am having more and more work piled onto me and I am not
coping with it. I am contracted as an admin assistant. My
manager does not listen to my concerns.
Answer:
You are only capable of what you can do in any
one eight hour day at your own comfortable speed. If you
have no support or resources then you are likely to achieve
even less. If no one is listening or actively trying to
help you then please get in touch with your trade union
official who will support you and resolve the matter with
the employer.
Question:
Why has the UDW not published their accounts?
Answer:
We have been advised by the Certification Office
that we do not need to audit and submit accounts until near
the end of our second year. However our accounts are available
for inspection at any time.
Question:
I have been told many times that the UDW is a company funded
and run union. Why would I consider joining it?
Answer:
The ‘company funded and run’ allegation
was all part of a smear campaign in persuading workers to
boycott the UDW. An attempt was made in 1997 at the Vauxhall
site to take 300 workers over to the Transport & General
Workers Union as many workers wanted a change. This right
was denied after a meeting at the TUC in London. Several
years later a group of representatives set up the UDW knowing
that they would be subjected to abuse and allegations. UDW
notice boards have been removed and checkoff has been stopped.
Acts like this do not happen to ‘puppet’ unions.
The UDW are here to stay. Workers will make their own minds
up at their own pace.
