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Hi, and thanks in advance for all advice.
I am a HGV driver and am on a disciplinary for breaching EU drivers hours, I went 2 minutes over the 4.5 hour limit before taking a break.
The meeting was arranged for thursday 8th august at 4 pm and I asked for my union rep to be present.
The day arrived and I was given a 1 am start, I reminded them that I had my meeting at 4 pm and that this would breach EU drivers hours as I would be working more than a 15 hour shift.
Their reply was to not worry they would work round it.
I arrived back at the yard at 08.45 and was given another run which included a night out in the lorry.
Again I reminded them of the meeting and was told "that's okay we can do it now".
I asked where my rep was and was told he was in London and wouldn't be back in time but I could take someone else or go in alone.
I spoke to my rep and he advised me not to go in alone and tell them to rearrange it, which I did.
This didn't go down very well but after a lot of demands from them and refusals by me they reluctantly agreed to rearrange.
That was the last I heard until Thursday 29th august, when I was approached by the head of HR who asked to have a word. She said that we needed to resolve this situation as they can't keep rearranging and we had already rearranged three times. She also said that I would have to choose a different companion as they cannot guarantee my rep being available as he is a driver and they need him on the road.
After firing off a list of names and me making it clear three times that I only wanted my rep as companion we parted company without agreement. I have now been told verbally that the meeting will be held on Friday 6th September and they will do their best for my rep to be there but if they can't arrange it I will have to take someone else.
I left without giving much of a response as I didn't want another argument, but as no time was given for the meeting I am dubious as to whether my rep will be there.
My questions are:
If my rep is not there should/can I refuse to go in and ask them to rearrange again.
Is there a time limit to how long it should have taken to rearrange.
Are they in breach of codes of practice
Sorry this Is such a long story but I wanted you to have all the details.
I am a HGV driver and am on a disciplinary for breaching EU drivers hours, I went 2 minutes over the 4.5 hour limit before taking a break.
The meeting was arranged for thursday 8th august at 4 pm and I asked for my union rep to be present.
The day arrived and I was given a 1 am start, I reminded them that I had my meeting at 4 pm and that this would breach EU drivers hours as I would be working more than a 15 hour shift.
Their reply was to not worry they would work round it.
I arrived back at the yard at 08.45 and was given another run which included a night out in the lorry.
Again I reminded them of the meeting and was told "that's okay we can do it now".
I asked where my rep was and was told he was in London and wouldn't be back in time but I could take someone else or go in alone.
I spoke to my rep and he advised me not to go in alone and tell them to rearrange it, which I did.
This didn't go down very well but after a lot of demands from them and refusals by me they reluctantly agreed to rearrange.
That was the last I heard until Thursday 29th august, when I was approached by the head of HR who asked to have a word. She said that we needed to resolve this situation as they can't keep rearranging and we had already rearranged three times. She also said that I would have to choose a different companion as they cannot guarantee my rep being available as he is a driver and they need him on the road.
After firing off a list of names and me making it clear three times that I only wanted my rep as companion we parted company without agreement. I have now been told verbally that the meeting will be held on Friday 6th September and they will do their best for my rep to be there but if they can't arrange it I will have to take someone else.
I left without giving much of a response as I didn't want another argument, but as no time was given for the meeting I am dubious as to whether my rep will be there.
My questions are:
If my rep is not there should/can I refuse to go in and ask them to rearrange again.
Is there a time limit to how long it should have taken to rearrange.
Are they in breach of codes of practice
Sorry this Is such a long story but I wanted you to have all the details.
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