We all know USDAW is a useless union within Tesco as they are part of the management establishment but why isn't there a movement in Tesco to promote alternative unions like GMB or Unite.
A union that will fight for us employees rather than promise the world and delivers us nothing.
My understanding of the situation and I could be wrong is that when it comes to store staff Tesco will only recognise USDAW as a union and therefore only enter into pay, conditions or other negotiations with USDAW, you are of course free to join any other union but the reps and staff from it would have no rights other than to rep you in a meeting i.e investigation or disciplinary matters.
Quote from: wizard on 08-03-21, 01:56PM
Colleague 3000000 , with Usdaw you can't strike it was written out the agreement years ago , no one would walk out on strike , people are to worried for there jobs
we should all stick together!!!! but can't see that happening as you say
:thumbup:
Quote from: NightAndDay on 08-03-21, 02:14PM
Quote from: Colleague 3000000 on 08-03-21, 11:02AM
We must seriously start balloting for strike action.
Instead of writing essays on here.
Do not cross the picket lines.
First step would be to get rid of USDAW as the recognised union and get the ball rolling for another union to be recognised by Tesco, this would cancel the partnership agreement and then would be able to hamstring Tesco with Strike action.
Can't see Tesco agreeing to accept another union when they ha e such a cosy relationship with USDAW, not really sure what if anything can be done other than maybe huge numbers quitting the union and making clear it's in protest over the partnership deal.
We are just robots.
Now it's time to say that these robots are human. We have feelings, we have rights and we have dignity.
It's time to strike for the sake of our humanity.
We are not robots. Showing that we actually do think and feel will make a difference.
Even just the threat of strike action will make them realise this.
could you give it a rest
Tesco retail staff cannot strike the partnership says so and said partnership forms part of your terms of employment, I don't like it any more than you I was totally screwed over in a previous restructuring as many will now be during this one but the hard fact is no strike is allowed, and for anyone thinking let's just do it anyway you will be opening yourself up for gross misconduct for breaching your contract.
Quote from: Colleague 3000000 on 09-03-21, 11:46AM
We are not robots. Showing that we actually do think and feel will make a difference.
Yea right, you think :D
Quote from: Colleague 3000000 on 09-03-21, 11:46AM
We are just robots.
Now it's time to say that these robots are human. We have feelings, we have rights and we have dignity.
It's time to strike for the sake of our humanity.
We are not robots. Showing that we actually do think and feel will make a difference.
Even just the threat of strike action will make them realise this.
I can only assume that you're affected by this ?? Where was your call for strike action when nightshift were chopped, team leaders , personel managers, bakers , I could go on . You were more than likely not giving a sh#t and now it's you you're up in arms , calling for strike action on every single post . It's boring now to be honest
I do so wish Colleague 3000 would give it a rest, every post is striking, it is never going to happen, EVER. You have made yr point, move on.
Firstly USDAW is not a no strike union, no Union in the TUC is allowed to be, and the problem is getting enough people to actually strike to make it effective, which is almost zero.
You're free to join a different union, I'd suggest the GMB, and they can rep you in all hearings, and from experience as a rep they're considerably better because it's their job, unlike the nodding heads who make up 90% of USDAW reps in Tesco.
The union is weak because its become about the employees of the union instead of the members, its a sad state of affairs.
Quote from: lackofinterest on 08-03-21, 08:04PM
Quote from: wizard on 08-03-21, 01:56PM
Colleague 3000000 , with Usdaw you can't strike it was written out the agreement years ago , no one would walk out on strike , people are to worried for there jobs
we should all stick together!!!! but can't see that happening as you say
It was never written out of the agreement at all , strike action is a last resort and has alot of organisation to be done legally you also have to remember tesco staff only earn a little bit more than minimum wage and if strike action was balloted and successful all usdaw members would need to go on strike and you don't get paid.
Not all strikes are about wages. There are many other issues which could and should be better supported by union.
Quote from: tempworker2020 on 05-07-20, 04:12AM
We all know USDAW is a useless union within Tesco as they are part of the management establishment but why isn't there a movement in Tesco to promote alternative unions like GMB or Unite.
A union that will fight for us employees rather than promise the world and delivers us nothing.
still waiting for that promise from 2 years ago for minimum of £10 an hour - now minimum will change to £9.50 its no wonder 57% of staff at my store are NOT happy working there (according to the survey) and why we already lost 4 staff in the past money quitting... and most of checkout staff are all stating they are thinking of quitting by april... meanwhile police had to be called in today due to the mass abuse some customers...
one my colleauges who left is getting paid £10.20 an hour now... for sitting around with no interaction with any customers - and yet us lot on the shop floor doing more work due to left staff and no new hires, soon from april 2022 to be 5p over minimum wage?
WHY is the union NOT doing more for us? yet taking our money?
Can I ask we were told that we should have a say on pay rises and paperwork went out for all members to see and discuss, we at our store have never had anything so I asked the rep who said they would have been sent to the store and haven't been passed on, is that correct and if so what can we do ?
Leave USDAw. and join another union the more who leave USDAw then they will have to do something .
Everyone should leave USDAW (if they're employed by Tesco). The fact that shop floor workers can't strike due to the partnership agreement and the mickey mouse pay review negotiations speaks volumes. By remaining members and paying them, this debacle will only continue.
I never join union, for me, just a waste of money, better lose that money investing in something else.
What I want to know now is what they gonna do in april when national living wage rise to 9.50.
How tesco deduct our pension, let say for people who opt minimum contribution.
My pension already in and out smart contract because of that. And I am sure, most ca will be out of smart pension if there is no increase before april.
I do not know about all the legality, but when you are out of smart pension, your whole income will be deducted by tax and nin, and then deducted for pension. That mean that pension already been taxed and later on in the future it will be taxed again when we claim. My understanding is pension contribution should be free from tax so later on we dont get double tax, tax when contributing and tax when claiming. For me it is not right.
I might be wrong though.
My understanding is that you will hardly notice paying extra into your pension as the payment is taken before tax. There is a pension line you can ring and talk things through with.
Quote from: Modena on 03-11-21, 08:59AM
Can I ask we were told that we should have a say on pay rises and paperwork went out for all members to see and discuss, we at our store have never had anything so I asked the rep who said they would have been sent to the store and haven't been passed on, is that correct and if so what can we do ?
We never voted on the pay rise in stores. We do have representatives that vote on our behalf.
I know the union is not popular and I have had times being a member but I have times that I have not too. I have re-joined twice. On one hand I see why people don't want to pay the fees, I have felt like that myself, but the unions have more power with higher membership. A lot of stores sit at 40%, or they did last thing I knew.
The basic principles of USDAW are still there but is very watered down, to the principles it was primarily set up for.
It's not only the members who have lost faith over the years, the reps become seriously disillusioned and leave, due to the lack of support from their area officers.
As a rep myself for many years, the main objective from the area became recruit, recruit, recruit!! Every 3 monthly meeting attended by the area rep, began with asking for the mapping of the store, % of members for the store, amount of new recruits and by whom recruited?
They don't push the benefits of being a member enough...free legal protection for car insurance, free initial legal advice with local solicitor, maternity grants, long sickness absence payment, repayment of subs to women on maternity leave, funeral grants etc..
I stepped down, as I felt the support given to reps was severely inadequate. Stores are mostly 24/7 now, but area offices and area reps are only available 9-5 Monday to Friday ???
It became a clique, friends of friend's names put forward for development. All expenses paid AGM's attended by the same old, same old...and I won't go into the wasting of members subs, on all expenses paid presentation gala evenings, attended by the same old, same old... >:( >:(
lucgeo. Sadly I must agree with your comment. USDAW is not fit to be called a trade union.
USDAW are a union in name only when it comes to Tesco, nothing more than a nodding dog that barks to Tescos tune, feel sorry for the decent in store reps who do try there best but get no backup from those above them, and so for the amount of money wasted on black tie dinners, weekends away, presentations not to mention the rubbish sent into stores for new members like pens, water bottles, posters, bookmarks, wristbands and lord knows what else you can see where the subs are going.
A union is strong if it has strong membership. If I remember right it was a closed shop when I joined the company but that was over 30 years ago so I can't be sure I'm remembering right. It may be a poor union, on that score I can't comment but a strong union has high membership. It has people power. On another thread someone has commented about how the police firearms banded together and had each other's backs. The reality of retail is its poorer paid, people can't afford not to work and we have high numbers of people who come to work, do the job and go home but are not interested until it comes to hours being changed or some such thing like that. When a job role has been removed it's only the people involved that try and fight or complain. Somebody sat on a till is not interested in changes to stock control and back door is not interested in bakery, and so it goes on. Part of this is we are just so busy delivering the job. The bigger the store the more the areas break down into smaller Depts within the store. Smaller stores tend not to divide up as much. I have worked in stores where you see people and ask if they are new and you find out they have worked in the store three years. It's all a matter of who you see on the shifts you work.
And of course the company do everything in their power to divide, conquer and alienate the work force from each other >:(
Redshoes it does not matter how strong the membership is, those members and for many years when I worked for Tesco I was one of them, if the said membership has no support from those further up, and you might well say well become rep and change things the problem is reps who stick up for members and do not just repeat what management say tend to be viewed as trouble makers and end up getting nowhere despite having the best of intentions.
Most managers are members too. Many, many years ago I was a rep for a short while. When I went into it I was told most people who come to you are managers. They need to keep themselves right too. That may not still be the case but people dismiss other roles.
On another thread I have just had someone try and point out to me that the front end has a small skill set so a large head out for a manager is easy. They have little understanding of the job, they don't know how much work is to be done and the main part is, they don't care. This is exactly what I am saying. We all work hard. We all have to deliver the whole shop but there is bitterness because so many think others have it easy.
There is bitterness that there are actually other jobs to be completed. If a manager is not filling shelves they are in the office drinking coffee and on social media.
There has become a general feeling that is dividing people and if it was accepted that there are people working equally as hard but doing different tasks we would all get along better.
We have two fresh colleagues in my store who stand about when they get a chance. They spend this time talking about how other people are not working. When asked if fresh is in a good place they say they could do with help. If two of they had not spent ten mins talking about this, the help would not resent helping and the duty manager who was rushing about would not have to stop mid task to interrupt a needless conversation. As the duty manager did not have a box in hand and at fixture filling it does not seem to mater what they were doing. They expect the store manager down to be filling fresh, daily. Not matter how big the team or the delivery. If a small delivery they say it will get us ahead but this is at the expense of other jobs etc.
It's the tunnel vision of there being only one task in the store and that task being the most skilled and most important. It's not all about checkouts, it's not all about PFS, it's not all about fresh or grocery or any area. It is about the whole store
The store is run by senior team...now that senior team will have a preference for their own depts..a fresh and an ambient senior manager, as was the case in my store, will vie for support to have their own depts looking good. Add to that the SM who will also have an affinity to one and it was fresh in my old store.
All hands was always on fresh. As the fresh teams arrived they would be tasked with their daily routines, take their breaks on time, while the support from ambient ( mainly stock control) was expected to continue to fill!
Next day ambient senior team manager would kick off that his dept's routines and fills hadn't been done, and the book stocks were corrupted! Add to this, the checkouts continually called for support, but fresh were ring fenced from answering, same for dot com support picks!
The division and back biting from depts comes directly from the top! As I've stated before, the checkout manager role is the hardest and most unfair, amongst the management team! Produce is notoriously the easiest management position!
Store reps do not rep managers, that is for Sata reps...however I did have a lot of managers seek advice from me, mainly because they progressed through the store, and I knew them from starting, and always encouraged them on options by "sharing the knowledge" some had their heads turned on being signed off...but the majority remained as before!
As a poster before stated, good reps are disliked by some management, especially the SM...the amount of times they attempted to discipline me, for petty things and always looked surprised when I was readily prepared for the meetings...thanks to the heads up from the progressed in store managers ;)
Now the PP's are no longer in stores, I'd imagine it's become even harder to gain answers to problems, that could be solved just by bit of straight talking, and problem solved, without the faffing about and time wasting with investigations and disciplinary procedures!
If I recall correctly, the stores gave up their rights to strike action and votes on pay rises, when the partnership agreement was introduced...the agreement book used to look like a big A4 war and peace...last I saw it looked more like a monthly mag :-X
Yeah Tesco are becoming a joke and I hope the warehouse and drivers strike over the pay per hour.
We were told we'll get a pay rise every year (or 2) and stopped our bonus... Still on £9.40.
I refuse to join a union for the same reason as overs, they are useless and not worth my hard earned money.
Is there any reason I cant seem to start a new topic anymore?
[gmod=gomezz]It sounds like your Supporter status may have expired with it being over a year since your last donation[/gmod]
Ocado are now paying there their drivers £12.40 a hour up to £16 for overtime and £19 on Sunday after 6pm, I believe even Iceland pay more although only 10p a hour but Tesco do claim to be the leading supermarket. Yesterday our pick finished at 6pm and the drivers had to get there their trays off the trolleys themselves, this is due to lack of staff as a lot of pickers have gone to Aldi who also pay more. When Usdaw are you going to fight for us ?
Thank you for correcting my spelling.
The porblem is tesco still think in old terms, they think drivers are easy to replace but they're not anymore, too much competition.
My depot has 9 other major delivery companies within minutes of the CfC, everyone has left, and the solution of management is that it must be the drivers fault.
In all honestly Ocado is a better place to work for many reasons tesco only has their fixed rota as a benefit over the others, ocado is better pay better equipment better management better rules, and job and knock is amazing.
Tesco need to change or their dead at the point
USDAW are doing an okay job if they go on strike on the 20th. Tesco keep a kick up their arses. Tesco drivers are on £13 something an hour, we're on £9.55 an hour and was promised £10 per hour 2 years ago.
XPO pay £16 per hour for our frozen deliveries. Tesco seem very low. They need a kick to keep everyone happy they're raking in money and we see nothing and have no bonus any more if our store does well.
[admin]I'm confused by this post :-\[/admin]
Quote from: Redshoes on 05-11-21, 11:00AM
A union is strong if it has strong membership. If I remember right it was a closed shop when I joined the company but that was over 30 years ago so I can't be sure I'm remembering right. It may be a poor union, on that score I can't comment but a strong union has high membership. It has people power. On another thread someone has commented about how the police firearms banded together and had each other's backs. The reality of retail is its poorer paid, people can't afford not to work and we have high numbers of people who come to work, do the job and go home but are not interested until it comes to hours being changed or some such thing like that. When a job role has been removed it's only the people involved that try and fight or complain. Somebody sat on a till is not interested in changes to stock control and back door is not interested in bakery, and so it goes on. Part of this is we are just so busy delivering the job. The bigger the store the more the areas break down into smaller Depts within the store. Smaller stores tend not to divide up as much. I have worked in stores where you see people and ask if they are new and you find out they have worked in the store three years. It's all a matter of who you see on the shifts you work.
I suspect this is one of the reason why so little support is given to the social club at our store, the last thing they want is everyone talking and socialising with each other. At least it up and running now. Now if covid disappears we can start to organise some events.
Quote from: tempworker2020 on 05-07-20, 04:12AM
We all know USDAW is a useless union within Tesco as they are part of the management establishment but why isn't there a movement in Tesco to promote alternative unions like GMB or Unite.
A union that will fight for us employees rather than promise the world and delivers us nothing.
I agree that they are useless! I've been trying to get advice from them for five months now. In that time, the situation I needed support with has gotten worse!
The instore reps don't have the information I need, so they bring it up in their monthly union meetings. When it got serious, the guy leading the meeting told them to ask me to contact him directly, I did so and the response was that he doesn't deal with individuals. So why ask me to get in touch? I've asked if he can forward it on to someone who will help me, and that has gone ignored too.
When a rep told me two weeks ago to "give the manager a Let's Talk" it made me realise they absolutely have no idea what they are doing!
I emailed their main office, stating all the above and asking how I can actually get some support from them? I am now at three weeks with no reply to that email.
I wish I could get my money back. They are absolutely useless!
There is a staff protector line if you feel something is not getting sorted at store level, they do listen as I know of managers being moved store because people used it. There should be a number for an USDAW area rep, but yes you can use a "lets talk" with your manager, it is a 2 way tool, both sign and date it, take a picture of it with your phone, bring your issue up on viewpoint annual review. It sounds like you need to seek outside store advice.
Ditto to above...you can ring your area USDAW office, or Tesco helpline and ask for advice.
A " let's talk" will highlight you have a problem, the manager will need to answer your direct questions, and act accordingly. Especially if you ask for a time frame for a future meeting update. It could end up just being a case of crossed wires, or lack of communication.
I don't understand why you're not getting feedback from the reps monthly meetings? As regard the person who doesn't deal with individuals? Is this person the area organiser? In which case they will have advised the reps on procedures to follow. I'm thinking it's a case that the store reps are passing the buck, either they don't have the experience or knowledge to deal with the situation, ( which is common as rep training is hit and miss and wholly inadequate) or they don't want the hassle or possible comeback from the managers!
You can request a rep from another store to support you, they aren't so bothered in repercussions from your store managers.
You are always at liberty to cancel your union subscription at any time!
I cancelled my union subscription a few months in after the union bent the knee for the area manager, an incident where he manipulated the payroll systems to not pay us Sunday premium when we worked sundays, I got my money back in the end off my own back.
The union is just a money grubbing organisation in my experience who will always kowtow to the Tesco seniors.
Not paying a dunday premium would be automatic breach of contract and unauthorised deduction of wages, a very quick grievance would have solved the issue, if they continued a very short refusal claim would have solved the issue.
Unfortunately Tesco have created a system of isolation in that a store can keep very thing in house most of the time meaning the regional managers aren't being made aware fully and things get hidden.
If your store rep isn't delivering, contact the office to speak with the area officer who will help, if they don't complain to the divisional officer, climb the tree until your emailing Paddy.
But sometimes people think the union are magicians, the number of guilty people who are upset that we can't make isconsuct go away is shocking.
There was a group grievance, it went to the AM, the union got involved and the AM threatened them and they dropped it, the solicitors I got involved got me my money. The AM later got dismissed but then got hired as AM at Booker where they remain to this day.
Twice I took Tesco through the small claims while in their employ, both times getting what I was owed. The second time bailiffs were poised to go into Cheshunt, before they paid up.
Never be afraid to stand your ground if you know you are in the right.
I remember one guy refused to come in for some of his contracted shifts as he hadn't been paid from his overtime 2 months back they soon had it resolved no need for bailiffs.
I worked for Tesco for 8 years but never joined USDAW. I didn't think it was worth it. I used to be a union rep for
the TSSA so I had something to compare USDAW with.
However my wife who also worked for Tesco, She was a shift leader in an Express joined USDAW. She had an accident at work. After much effort the solicitor employed by USDAW got her compensation. However I was getting so frustrated with Tesco's delay tactics that I contacted the Environmental Health Officer for the area where she worked. Tesco soon sat up and took notice and contacted the solicitors. So in her case it was worth joining USDAW.
Quote from: horatiocain on 26-03-22, 08:13PM
Not paying a dunday premium would be automatic breach of contract and unauthorised deduction of wages, a very quick grievance would have solved the issue, if they continued a very short refusal claim would have solved the issue.
Unfortunately Tesco have created a system of isolation in that a store can keep very thing in house most of the time meaning the regional managers aren't being made aware fully and things get hidden.
If your store rep isn't delivering, contact the office to speak with the area officer who will help, if they don't complain to the divisional officer, climb the tree until your emailing Paddy.
But sometimes people think the union are magicians, the number of guilty people who are upset that we can't make isconsuct go away is shocking.
Have to agree on the last point, people doing stupid things and then thinking a rep can just get them off. Not just a Tesco issue either it seems to happen in most places I have worked.
If someone needs sacking, they get sacked, bar 1 case I have not seen the union successfully defend anyone from being sacked, the exception was when the target used the race card (She was black the out of store SM was Indian) and it worked, the union said the people partner was woefully incompetent, it got to the point that not only did the final written warning get overturned, but the union supported her in building a case for racial discrimination against Tesco, my opinion on the case was that she needed to be disciplined for conduct, not sacked, but at the same time the SM in question (not the Indian one but her normal SM) had posters of A Dictator in the office, was openly racist and ableist. Last I heard she went on long term sick but played the game to get as much company sick pay as possible (she also got caught working another job but they couldn't prove it.) And the SM, even though he was found to be racist, got moved to another store (as seems to be the case with a lot of managerial misconduct).
Every other time though the union has been ineffective, even bending the knee for some puff chested SMs.
Quote from: BUY TESLA STOCK on 28-03-22, 02:27PM
I remember one guy refused to come in for some of his contracted shifts as he hadn't been paid from his overtime 2 months back they soon had it resolved no need for bailiffs.
Well that works out great , lose money by not turning up for your scheduled contracted shift/s in order to get back money owed from a previous time . Stick to the bailiffs me thinks
Quote from: BUY TESLA STOCK on 28-03-22, 02:27PM
I remember one guy refused to come in for some of his contracted shifts as he hadn't been paid from his overtime 2 months back they soon had it resolved no need for bailiffs.
Old saying about nose and face comes to mind :thumbup:
MerchMan007 :thumbup:
Wow a lot of responses since i last visited.
Firstly Tesco have always employed the Catholic approach to a problem, move it and hide it if you can't move them promote them so they MUST move.
Its a c**p solution to their shockingly bad management.
As for joining USDAW, I was a rep and fought hard for every member I represented, never having one dismissed for conduct only sickness, even those who deserved to be dismissed or disciplined, they pay for representation so they get it, even the ones I'd like to beat unconscious, they've paid for representation so they get it.
I stepped down years ago and a fellow like me did the same over the stock control redundancies being allowed his wife was made redundant and his daughter given her job, it was a joke.
He's trying to go back because he wants to help people so there are fantastic reps
Quote from: NightAndDay on 28-03-22, 03:57PM
If someone needs sacking, they get sacked, bar 1 case I have not seen the union successfully defend anyone from being sacked, the exception was when the target used the race card (She was black the out of store SM was Indian) and it worked, the union said the people partner was woefully incompetent, it got to the point that not only did the final written warning get overturned, but the union supported her in building a case for racial discrimination against Tesco, my opinion on the case was that she needed to be disciplined for conduct, not sacked, but at the same time the SM in question (not the Indian one but her normal SM) had posters of A Dictator in the office, was openly racist and ableist. Last I heard she went on long term sick but played the game to get as much company sick pay as possible (she also got caught working another job but they couldn't prove it.) And the SM, even though he was found to be racist, got moved to another store (as seems to be the case with a lot of managerial misconduct).
Every other time though the union has been ineffective, even bending the knee for some puff chested SMs.
must depend on the store as there's a few lazy workers at my store, managers admitted they're trying to get rid of them (because they keep messing up and making rest us do more work fixing their mistakes) - but as they have not done anything "wrong" they can't sack him due to the union blocking it saying it will be "unfair dismissal" and "consider some training as alternative" (this person has been working there over 15 years -- and they still can't find a reason to try sack them as "laziness" is not a valid reason lol
Being a bit slower is not always being lazy. Cutting corners can make one colleague appear to be working faster than another so this also muddies the water. Then there is general health issues, this can be resolved by matching colleague to right role and it's not always easy and may require more than one move.
Saying all that we all know the colleagues that are not as fast as some others. It's a long process to deal with them. Nobody seems to like a manager actually doing a managers role. If they are not shoulder to shoulder filling they are lazy and drinking coffee in the office. This is an example of one process that only a manager can do and it takes time. It's also not that easy. Just now there is a fear of tribunal with dismissals and there is also a fear of not being able to replace anyone who goes.
its not that they are slower, heck i have my slow days at times!
more the fact they do 5 minutes of work then just wonder around the warehouse for 3 hours pointing out to others "oh that will need doing soon" and "oh that cage needs to go out" before doing another 5 minutes of work then going home. i think they stocked 4 towels, 1 vacuum and 5 promo cups and few kettles in their 4 hour shift. - not tagging any of them so then the rest of us get told often "please ensure everything is tagged as we had a visitor from headoffice to find they arent tagged" - so quarter of our shift is checking the tags
in fact Thursday i had to spend 2 hours checking all the tags and tidy up and check for gaps (its a very large store and i thought i was on my own as didnt see anyone until i went to get the gaps/stock out the backstock --and they were in the backstock checking if we had any engine oil as it was a gap they noticed.. about an hour later, i went back in with the left over off the backstock cage.. and he was still there then said "oh well, couldnt find it, what ya gonna do? (shrugging shoulders while texting someone).. well lots still left to do but im off now"
everyone, including all managers cant stand them, except the union rep as they know each other. - ???
You should bring it to the managers attention.
You will always get those that try it on...one stockie used to start /finish 2 hours earlier than me and would pass on his instores /discontinued list that he didn't "have time to find?" (He finished before rumble, but I had a 30 min break to take and an hour rumble in the remaining 2 hours!) Then when he was queried next day as to why they weren't completed he'd say he gave them to me to finish!!
I eventually refused to take over his list, and insisted to the manager, we take ownership of our own depts for gapping, instores and discontinued as we both had the same allocated time to complete them!
People can be managed out of the business, but it is a long process, they have to be given every opportunity to improve, be given retraining, and update meetings in agreed time frames. If there is little or no improvement, then Conduct V's Capability comes into play, in as much to determine if they are just unwilling or just unable to perform the role, to the best of their abilities!
If process is followed then yes, but there are managers rated as "effective" that will chiller chat colleagues out of the business, one SM was notorious for it, union reps didn't want to try and take on this manager in question as the last few that did were all sacked for gross misconduct after somehow being found with goods not paid for when leaving the store.
Quote from: person7 on 26-04-22, 11:17AM
its not that they are slower, heck i have my slow days at times!
more the fact they do 5 minutes of work then just wonder around the warehouse for 3 hours pointing out to others "oh that will need doing soon" and "oh that cage needs to go out" before doing another 5 minutes of work then going home. i think they stocked 4 towels, 1 vacuum and 5 promo cups and few kettles in their 4 hour shift. - not tagging any of them so then the rest of us get told often "please ensure everything is tagged as we had a visitor from headoffice to find they arent tagged" - so quarter of our shift is checking the tags
in fact Thursday i had to spend 2 hours checking all the tags and tidy up and check for gaps (its a very large store and i thought i was on my own as didnt see anyone until i went to get the gaps/stock out the backstock --and they were in the backstock checking if we had any engine oil as it was a gap they noticed.. about an hour later, i went back in with the left over off the backstock cage.. and he was still there then said "oh well, couldnt find it, what ya gonna do? (shrugging shoulders while texting someone).. well lots still left to do but im off now"
everyone, including all managers cant stand them, except the union rep as they know each other. - ???
Sounds like the old "very good at looking busy" trick. We all know some of them. They also seem to be the worst at complaining at what others do. I would have a word with your manager. Times are really hard now and we can't afford to carry anyone. People like that just build resentment, they can demoralise a whole team.
yeh, especially as im looking for more hours, i could easily replace their shift and get double the work done! -
but its annoying everyone, i do agree it builds resentment and demoralize the team as everyone has stopped caring about keeping backstock organized and tidy over past few months -
to point if a customer wants something they know to be in backstock as someone from another store told them we have them, everyone now looks for 30 seconds but if they cant find it they just say the stock level must be wrong or its on the way in a delivery (me and maybe 1-2 others are the only ones who really try find it as fast as possible and even then we sometimes give up... then find it hours later)
in fact I did find "new line" products for christmas promotion i just discovered the other day at the back of the warehouse behind load of unused equipment. now all zeroed of course...and the one im on about was the one who was supposedly sorted that out. - i informed my manager i found it all and sent a picture of it on whatsapp asking what to do with it as it was promo around Christmas time.
so lets see what happens as the "lazy" worker is the one who usually sorts them out (the displays that's not on the fixed shelves etc)
Retail is a breeding ground for these types of employees, more often than not they get promoted to management. The practice won't change and is a factor behind Tescos worsening pay, benefirs and working environment.
I'm still having a nightmare getting any response whatsoever from the union. I was under the impression that you could contact them with questions, get information on laws and policies to help you decide how to proceed with an issue.
My experiences with USDAW since trying to get help from November last year are that reps "don't know" answers, the area manager doesn't talk to individuals, and the office don't reply to emails. I'm seriously questioning what I am paying them for?
I'm about to get into a dispute over inflated absence levels, and I can't get hold of anyone with any knowledge to talk it through with.
USDAW appear to be a union in name only...your union fees go to keeping the salaried officials in a pretty safe job, with most probably a decent final salary pension whilst they constantly sell out the membership to Tesco.
Tesco helpline number should be displayed on the staff/union notice board.
Another alternative would be to 'phone ACAS
Logging onto our tesco,you can search policies yourself,yes your usdaw reps should be able to help you,so should your area usdaw,
If its a policy query your after,why not ask on here,
Sometimes policies aren't clear enough. For instance, I am off with covid, and the policy on that has now changed, but doesn't say what the application is to someone already off with covid when it kicks in.
I have found my absence levels being inflated, where I have asked for reduced hours (which doesn't impact absence) every time I get a payslip it has been coded as sick. (This is not related to the covid comment). I want to know about the policies relating to that, and the best way to raise a query without jumping straight to grievance (which is what the in store reps keep insisting I do)
As I'm getting no support at all from USDAW (and tempted to try to get back every fee I've paid, as I've got no service from them whatsoever!) I am wondering if anyone has had any experience at all of using a different union? Can a company actually refuse to recognise them?
You can be a member and use a rep from any union to represent you but Tesco won't recognize them. USDAW is hamstrung by Tesco and the partnership agreement which is why they're ineffective, you're best placed to arm yourself with legal knowledge and Tescos policies rather than depending on them.
Not a lot here would have anything good to say about USDAW as a union for shopfloor workers at Tesco unfortunately. For delivery drivers, they actually seem functional.
You can use a rep from any union, and they are treated exactly the same as an USDAW rep.
Don't try explaining the right to represented to a Tesco manager, you'll run out of crayons trying.
One of our guys is a GMB member and the official was refused entry to the meeting, they sacked the guy and at his appeal the people manager (that's how long ago it was, remember them) reinstated him with an apology to avoid being sued.
Any authorised trade union rep or official or a colleague can represent an employee, there is no difference between them.
I know an ex rep who reps people still and they buy him a Christmas present each year as a thank you, and he was a fantastic rep.
There are good USDAW reps, the problem is Tesco managers are largely idiots, and they target good reps and keep bad ones.
Complain about bad reps, it's the only way the officials can do something.
I finally got someone at the union to speak to me yesterday - after calling and stressing the urgency of my situation that has been allowed to escalate.
The strange thing is - the person I am told is now my "personal advisor" at the union is the person I contacted back in November who said he doesn't deal with individuals!
It would be interesting to know how many people are members of another union as well as USDAW. I've been a member of GMB for several years, as well as being a rep for USDAW. If there were sufficient membership of an alternative union, then the company would have to recognise it, and the likes of GMB would not cozy up to Tesco as USDAW have!
Any second union is unlikely to meet the requirements for statutory recognition by the Central Arbitration Committee.
As far as I know companies do not have to recognise any union no matter how many of their staff might be a member, please enlighten me if wrong but that is my understanding.
If there is no union in place and certain requirements are met then it is possible for the company to be forced to recognise a union https://www.gov.uk/trade-union-recognition-employers (https://www.gov.uk/trade-union-recognition-employers)
Quote from: tempworker2020 on 05-07-20, 04:12AMWe all know USDAW is a useless union within Tesco as they are part of the management establishment but why isn't there a movement in Tesco to promote alternative unions like GMB or Unite.
A union that will fight for us employees rather than promise the world and delivers us nothing.
:thumbup:
I think we allied to write to USDAW or speaking to area reps, urgently the company hates us and we need union to stand up on outr behalf.. STRIKE BALLOT NOW
Usdaw has become a junior partner of the company. Its not there for it's members to create or do anything meaningful. It's there to protect the company, to morpho around it to ensure it doesn't get into trouble and to profit in wages, pension contributions etc from this endeavour in my opinion
Quote from: Cinderella on 29-04-22, 11:29PMSometimes policies aren't clear enough. For instance, I am off with covid, and the policy on that has now changed, but doesn't say what the application is to someone already off with covid when it kicks in.
I have found my absence levels being inflated, where I have asked for reduced hours (which doesn't impact absence) every time I get a payslip it has been coded as sick. (This is not related to the covid comment). I want to know about the policies relating to that, and the best way to raise a query without jumping straight to grievance (which is what the in store reps keep insisting I do)
Hi Cinderella,
I'm a wages clerk, and if you are on reduced hours as part of a "return to work plan" you will see these hours in your payslip as "sickness". The reason for this is that the reduction in hours is supposed to be for 8 weeks only and is paid out of any company sick pay you may be entitled to. The reduction in hours shouldn't be taken into account when calculating an absence percentage.
Hope this is of some help
Isn't it ironic that Usdaw are asking members to complete a survey to protect the right to strike when its members at stores don't even have a right to vote on pay.
Hypocrisy doesn't even cover it.
Nice to see you back on here Loki
Thank you :) It's been several years. Feel like a newbie lol
Great to see VLH still going strong.
great to see you back loki. always loved your posts :)
Thank you :) Great to catch up
Quote from: Loki on 27-01-23, 07:36PMIsn't it ironic that Usdaw are asking members to complete a survey to protect the right to strike when its members at stores don't even have a right to vote on pay.
Hypocrisy doesn't even cover it.
I felt like replying "yeh right, then let us strike in the first place" - but its a no reply email but i'll defo try to send message to someone at usdaw to see what their excuse is
they are basically saying "please protect the right to strike but do remember you dont have a right to strike or negotiate about pay as we are basically ran by tesco"
Left USDAW as I switched to depot, and UNITE are wanting me to join for £27 a month, not a chance.. No more Unions for me.
USDAW as much use as a chocolate tea pot! :D
Very true, utterly useless. Frankly they've let the membership down badly over the years but the last three years they just "up sticks" and did nothing. No consultation no input NO IDEA.
USDAW = Fake Union.
Not really, the issue is that at GA level they have very little leverage compared to levels such as LGV Drivers. There is no great shortage of folk willing to earn almost minimum wage for unskilled work in a shop, whereas skilled LGV drivers are in short supply which gives the union an excellent bargaining point. If Tesco couldn't get staff to work for low pay & little - no premiums it would be a different story.
I agree with you on a certain point - i.e. the limited leverage at GA level (sorry, we're all colleagues now!) - but of course, big numbers might help - so if we did have a right to strike/vote to strike - and big numbers (incl store management) did vote to strike - then it might have an impact - but of course, only union members would have that right - and what % are in the union - and if you strike it means no pay - and as most GAs are earning min wage, chances are they cannot afford to lose a day's pay - unlike train drivers on £55k+ a year - who potentially have savings to back them up.
It's all conjecture of course, as when it came down to it, even if we had a vote to strike, I don't think people would vote for it. The voices on here are only a small minority of the 300,000+ UK staff. I have noticed recently that the comments on Ourtesco have become fewer - whereas previously there might be a good number (50-100+) of comments - mainly negative - on anything that Tesco "announced" in their news section - it's almost as if the comments are being moderated and then deleted. I can't believe that staff who regularly use any news item to more or less make the same complaint (if you love us so much, rather than saying thank you and being grateful, pay us more - and you can stick your 20p increase where the sun don't shine! )
I did think that 20p really did suck!!
Hey ho.
Leave USDAw. and join another union the more who leave USDAw then they will have to do something
.
Quote from: Loki on 27-01-23, 07:36PMIsn't it ironic that Usdaw are asking members to complete a survey to protect the right to strike when its members at stores don't even have a right to vote on pay.
Hypocrisy doesn't even cover it.
Your pay "vote" is done via stores forums
The union are not fit for purpose
Usdaw is not fit for purpose.
Many reps are poorly trained and even if called to a formal meeting you can often get the same outcome yourself without a rep.
All they are interested in is signing up new recruits.....
Quote from: Ginsoakedlush on 26-01-23, 10:51AMQuote from: Cinderella on 29-04-22, 11:29PMSometimes policies aren't clear enough. For instance, I am off with covid, and the policy on that has now changed, but doesn't say what the application is to someone already off with covid when it kicks in.
I have found my absence levels being inflated, where I have asked for reduced hours (which doesn't impact absence) every time I get a payslip it has been coded as sick. (This is not related to the covid comment). I want to know about the policies relating to that, and the best way to raise a query without jumping straight to grievance (which is what the in store reps keep insisting I do)
Hi Cinderella,
I'm a wages clerk, and if you are on reduced hours as part of a "return to work plan" you will see these hours in your payslip as "sickness". The reason for this is that the reduction in hours is supposed to be for 8 weeks only and is paid out of any company sick pay you may be entitled to. The reduction in hours shouldn't be taken into account when calculating an absence percentage.
Hope this is of some help
Thank you for the information!
It was actually proven that my absence levels were being inflated, and the manager was dealt with. Thank goodness I started keeping records of everything!
Anyone know how to
1) quit usdaw when its taken automatic from wages
2) what is best union to join thats cheap for part timers under 16 hours
3) how do we get tesxo to recognise another union?
Ironically if EVERY SINGLE tosco usdaw member left for another union.. As long its the same union then teaco MUST RECOGNISE it. Least thats what I've heard sevwral times.
Those who are leabing or already left usdaw.. Who are they joining?
Only reason im a member is purely for legal protection and advice, especially as i am registered disabled and have needed months off to recover so i cant do without anything. But usdaw really dont care.. My store has no rep and usdaw reduse to give me one saying "you could become our rep gor your area if you to apply, we dont habe one currently" yeh right! No thanks!
But lowering sunday premiums even more.. Allowing us to be underpaid for 4 weeks and no strikes ever allowed, no support by ANY REPS FOR ANY REASON. I dont see reason to stay a member after all these years.
But i dont know/not good at representing myself at anything due to being disabled. My worry is what if change of manager means i will need support?
I recently left USDAW as i have absolutely no faith in them and have contemplated joining GMB. The monthly cost for part time employed members is currently £8.40.