ON THE RECORD
SOUTHEASTERN
DRIVERS COMPANY COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER
January 2007
INVESTORS IN PEOPLE? YOU MUST BE JOKING!
The heavy handed approach being used by local managers when dealing with Drivers through the attendance at work procedure is never going to help Southeastern attain the Investors in People “kite” mark. Local managers seem to think it is perfectly acceptable to badger Drivers, whilst off work certificated by their GP’s, into returning to work just to improve their sick figures. We have even had an area personnel manager, attending an investigatory interview of a Driver off work, certified sick, quoting an ill health severance pay off figure, to bully the Driver into coming back to work.
How is this bullying “investing in people”?
Drivers should be aware that this franchise is not user friendly for employees who become ill. A senior Driver with over 25 years service, has a disease, that is recognised as a disability, has been forced out of doing shunt duties, that he has performed for 16 months and occupational health doctor’s report says he is perfectly able to carry out, with the excuse that the job does not exist, even though the work is covered by Drivers every day.
How is this callousness “investing in people”?
Drivers Company Council have had more Drivers, contacting us about bullying and the grievance procedure in the last 12 months, than we had in the previous two and a half years. Charges brought against Drivers recently have been ridiculous, Drivers after having a SPAD have also been charged with endangering the lives of contractors, even though there was no one on the track for miles. There have been other frivolous charges brought against Drivers that have been thrown out by senior managers on appeal. But what has been seen to happen to the bullying managers who brought the charges? Were they put on charges themselves? Were they put in front of a panel to decide if they were capable of carrying out their duties? No this only happens to Drivers.
Will there be justice in “investors in people”?
Drivers are urged to seek out employees who attend the Investors in People meetings to ensure their feelings and opinions are put across. These issues affect all Drivers both Metro and Coast.
UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL
Yours Fraternally
Drivers Company Council
JOE. HOLMES PETER. ROWLAND PERRY. CALVERT.