Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Well there's this and this too. Just the first few google results. Don't claim to have read them. I'm sure you'll find it if you dig deeper (providing it's true of course).

There's nothing illegal about unpaid leave or working only part of the year. For some jobs it's already pretty standard. Using it as a cost cutting tool isn't new either.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Agreed, but the poster was specific about five weeks, and I cannot find any corroborating evidence.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Plus if this was fact it would be more than just hearsay it would be on the national news.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I would not look for to long Hugh i don't think it will exist ;)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

The last remaining staff this morning at Albert Dock have been told it's closing a month earlier, the 30th March.

good luck for the future to all the remaining staff :tu: You'll never look back :)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

The Albert Dock call centre will close on the 30th March 2012, I wish all colleagues still working there all the best for the future. :-)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

agreed :)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Most people don't have the luxury of being able to walk out of a job if they aren't happy. It is now so common that the national TV news would probably not find it noteworthy. Can you have imagined staff/unions putting up with this, even a short time ago? I suggest not, but both parties know they have little other option. I am pleased that, in the main, it appears that employees are putting loyalty to their employer and the needs of their service users before their own personal interest- these people are worth their weight in gold.

If you examine your new contract of employment, there is a strong possibility that it will be a zero hours contract.

Now you are a new employee, you will not have mainstream protection from unfair dismissal for the first year, it has now been confirmed that this will be increased to two years in the near future. These changes, many unprecedented, are coming in thick and fast.

Do I personally like this- no. But it has become necessary due to events outside the control of employers, employees and Governments. Mainly recession, the greedy irresponsible bankers (don't get me started on that, but the Government could never allow banks to fail, so had little choice in the matter) and other worldwide events.

You make a valid point about these changes meaning that some people will become eligible for state assistance. All of the employees under my direct control have been offered a "benefits check up". Reduced hours etc mean that some may now be eligible for Housing Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance, Council Tax Benefit, Tax Credits etc.

I heard this on Radio 4, which I normally have on whilst working in the office.


How on earth could they sue for loss of earnings!!!!!!!!!!!!! They agreed to it :rolleyes:

Indeed, rather than getting bogged down in figures, the salient point is that this is actually happening right now.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

They'd have a case for constructive dismissal for sure. Just because an employer gets you to agree to it, doesn't make it legal.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Yes, that's a fair point, if an employee believes that there has been an incident of Constructive Dismissal, they are entitled to take this to an Employment Tribunal (ET)*.

To be honest though, I doubt that the ET would rule in favour of the employee if evidence was produced to show that this was a decision to keep the business viable, rather than anything personal towards an individual.

*Changes are afoot by the Government to reduce the number of cases actually going before an ET and to prevent spurious and/or malicious complaints. Many, including the increase to a two year qualifying period, begin on 6 April 2012.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Yes, this Con-Dem government is eroding employees rights :mad:

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Has the draft legislation been passed yet?

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

You misread that comment, it was aimed at the Chief Executive not the staff.:rolleyes:

---------- Post added at 17:35 ---------- Previous post was at 17:31 ----------

I also believe that this thread can now be closed now that we know the date of the closure as it has been taken totally off track on more than one occasion and as we now know the fate of the workforce still employed on the 30th March we can safely condone this thread to the wilderness as we do not want more silly comments on the loss of 435 jobs with the closure of the Albert Dock.

I am now looking to the future in my new position in what seems to be a good place to work.

I am unsubscribing from this thread as it no longer has any relevance and is being used for ulterior purposes.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Not yet, Hugh. I really hope it doesn't either :(

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Yes, but it's not a bed of roses for employers either. Employers found to have unfairly dismissed someone face higher fines.

In my opinion, once the malicious/spurious complaints have been weeded out (at the moment, some employees make a complaint that they know will fail just to spite their former employer) there will be a higher success rate, especially as fees are being introduced in order to ensure only serious and legitimate complaints are heard.

I assume it must have done, as it's going ahead. I'll know more after a training course later this month.

I haven't a clue what you're talking about Re: Chief Exec.

Re: "Silly comments" A little knowledge is worse than none at all.

I believe that whether this and/or the free gift thread is closed (or even "condoned") is a matter for the Cable Forum Team.

Are you in post with your new job yet? If not, you (and other former VM staff) may find this thread useful: [mod edit: Link to closed thread removed]

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

May i also refer you Kymmy to this post i made earlier

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/35394966-post108.html

quoted below for clarity

Anyway i am out of this thread now there is nothing further that can be said or asked.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

This post makes no sense to me whatsoever.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

For any staff that may have missed an important piece of advice relating to their future employment protection rights at work, it is reproduced below:

"Today it was confirmed that Albert Dock will close on 30 March, which is a Friday.

For any of you starting new jobs, try to accept/get your start date before 6 April 2012.

Hopefully, anyone who has successfully obtained new employment, will probably be starting on Monday 2 April.

This is because new, less generous, employment right rules come into force on 6 April 2012.

Those starting before this date will continue to have some protection under the old rules.

The best of luck!"

The present Government is to introduce a whole new raft of legislation, some will be welcomed by most decent thinking people eg sexist remarks are to be made a criminal offence.

Others, I suspect, will not be so warmly welcomed eg introducing a financial charge to employees wishing to use the services of an Employment Tribunal.

I hope this is helpful.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

It has been brought to my attention that the CWU intend to take legal action against Adecco and Virgin Media for not following the correct procedure in decommissioning Albert Dock.

Can anyone enlighten me with anything that they know about this?

I can perfectly understand that some people may wish to do this by PM :)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Richard, with all due respect - why should they?

You have alleged, in the past, that you have "high level" contacts in the VM management structure, and threatened to report some posters because you believed their behaviours were inappropriate - why should they now tell you things that, if known by VM, could weaken the Union's case.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I am sure members of the CWU will make the union aware of this thread so they are aware that questions are being asked.

As a member of staff it would be highly inappropriate of me to pass on information relating to my employer to someone on a forum in open thread or via PM, and i am sure other staff members will be aware of the risk of doing that as well

---------- Post added at 22:57 ---------- Previous post was at 22:55 ----------

:clap:

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

How stupid do you think ex employees are and do remember it is mainly ex employees who this issue affects so do please go and ask your alleged high ranking buddies all about it as they must be well aware of what is happening if they ever existed.

One thing this new question proves is that you are just a bluff merchant as we knew all along who is all huff and no puff.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

This is being asked out of a personal interest in contemporary trade unionist issues. I am broadly in favour of responsible trade unionism. Any information received will not be disclosed to a third party without prior permission.

I can confirm that any previously mentioned contacts that I have within VM are not involved with this issue.

You said that you had put me on ignore after your personal attacks on me some time ago :confused:

John East is fully aware of this thread and has provided me with some information about this, so there is no need for thinly veiled accusations of subterfuge :)

You also said that you had put me on ignore after your personal attacks on me some time ago :confused:

Those who wish to be helpful, or wish to speak to me about anything else, can contact me via PM in the knowledge that anything they say will be treated with complete confidence and discretion if that is what they wish :)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Richard due to your behaviour and attitude on here in the past towards VM employees, none of them trust you anymore and I'm astonished that you would think otherwise.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Lets put it this way if you have contact with John East which somehow I doubt as you obviously do not have a clue about what the union is doing and any high ranking contacts would have knowledge of what is happening as it will be of great concern to them monetary and reputation wise.

Ask your now union friend John East and your high ranking friends within the company because as they are friends they will obviously tell you all you know, I wonder how many posts you had to trawl through to find the name John East.;)

You are just trying to get some facts that you know nothing about as this thread proves that you do not have these purported contacts available to your self and it is purely the ravings of fantasy nothing more.

I doubt anyone would be gullible enough to provide you with any information just for you try and stir things up especially as I am the only member on here that the closure affected do you think for one second that I will let you be privy to information that could in any way affect our case.

Being on ignore does not prevent anyone reading your posts by the way and thank you for the nice green item much appreciated.;)

I will post the outcome later in the year unless your friend John East tells you first.https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2012/12/10.gif

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

:)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Wow, it's difficult to know where to start with all the assumptions and overall snide tone.

Assumptions are rarely true and never helpful. Being bitter about the past will not help your career.

Still, we can expect little more from someone who sees nothing wrong and is unrepentant about their sexist remarks and racist views of the people of Wales.

I can confirm that I have had direct contact with John East regarding the subject under discussion. I have no interest in whether you believe this or not.

I can also confirm that nobody by the name of "Peter" was registered as a member of the CWU when Albert Dock was open.

You were not the only "member" affected by the closure.

As you will be aware, some ex Albert Dock staff were head hunted.

You stated that you had "decided against going down that route" (probably the most oxymoronic statement I have ever come across!)

Some of those that were headhunted WERE actual CWU members and are on here.

It is now obvious that you have not put me on ignore as you stated you had previously. The only reason I can think of for this, is that you enjoy causing disruption on the forum.

It is not clear what you mean by "the nice green item". If you wish to say something, please don't talk in riddles, as this unhelpful.

It is not me that seeks to stir things up, it is actually yourself and your sidekick who seems to follow you round the boards clapping and smiling after everything you say in a puerile attempt to cause further bad feeling.

I also respectfully refer you to a previous thread where one of the owners of this forum told you that, if you had an axe to grind, you should keep it away from Cableforum.

It is time that the pair of you acted your age instead of your shoe size.

Back on topic...

If anybody has anything constructive to contribute, please don't let others put you off posting in public, by PM or email, as this is exactly their aim ;)

Any help thus far that has been given by people with this research is appreciated and their privacy, as was promised, will be respected in full.

Best wishes to all :-)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Richard, you are possibly the most deluded person I have ever seen posting on this forum.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Some how I doubt that otherwise you would not be digging for information on here would you as he would have told you all that you need to know.

Clueless as usual I bet you think the was only one Peter employed at the Albert Dock, words fail me over your crass ignorance.


The are no other members of this forum who were affected by the closure so again that shows how little you know about the membership of this forum as I would know anyone that was a member here from the Albert Dock.


No one was headhunted as they chose to go and if you knew who went and how good an agent they were then you would not have assumed they were headhunted, anyone could have had a job down there as that was part of the closure agreement.


The more knowledgeable members of staff either went to other similar companies locally for a much higher salary or they were offered jobs within the company either in Knowsley or Wythenshawe.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

More than telfordcable?

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

You need to expand on this, or your comment is meaningless.

The information about you was provided by John East. He stated that no member of the CWU based at Albert Dock was called "Peter".

For the record, are you accusing John East of lying to me?

As previously explained, and acknowledged by yourself earlier in the thread on more than one occasion, some members of staff were headhunted and some are also members of this forum.

Why you think you should automatically be made aware of the private business of your former colleagues is as conceited as it is bizarre.

You need to make your mind up. Either I know nothing and am looking for basic information, or, I am trying to obtain further information to weaken the unions' case as I am able to do this/would want to do this through my contacts. Which is it?*

*If the truth be known, both of your assumptions are incorrect.

I don't believe that you were really suited to working for Virgin Media, so I don't understand your continued bitterness as things seem to have worked out to the benefit of both parties.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Why don't you ask John East the questions you raised above?

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I have watched your behaviour towards VM employees who you felt gave you less respect than you deserved, on this forum and DigitalSpy, over many years. I have seen the response of many VM employees towards you on that forum and this one and read their opinions on the subject (as I recall, your brief appointment as a 'forum host' at DigitalSpy went down like a lead balloon).

For you to hope or expect any VM employee to take you into their personal confidence would, in my opinion, require such a complete lack of awareness of how others have reacted towards you in the past, as to be delusional.

It seems to me that either you have significant management contacts in VM, and think nothing of using them to try to put pressure on VM staff who frequent this forum (and DigitalSpy), or you don't, in which case who knows what strange game you're playing. Either way, I can't think of one single reason why any employee of VM (or any other individual, for that matter) should place their trust or confidence in an anonymous poster on an internet forum.

Does that expand it sufficiently for you?

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

If there is a case ongoing between the Union and Virginmedia and if that case ends up with the lawyers, then surely having a thread open here could prejudice that case if the wrong information is posted or is commented on.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Now that shows how wrong you are as oddly I received an email from him today updating me with regards the tribunal.

No he is not lying but you are lying about him keeping you updated especially that no one named Peter is or was a member of the CWU, oddly enough my union card is in my pocket.

As per my previous post anyone could have taken a job at Swansea as it was part of the agreement and no one who went down was headhunted.

The staff with qualifications went either to higher paid rival companies or as already stated were transferred to Knowsley or Wythenshawe, the staff who went to Swansea were the ones who thought the could not get a job up here but all their colleagues proved otherwise.

So who were the smart ones the ones who went to Swansea about 10 of them or the hundreds that got similar or better jobs in the Northwest, the is only one answer the hundreds who never moved in a panic.

Everyone on here just believes that you like to stir things up but when you are obviously posting about details you have absolutely no idea about it just shows you as being a fool with delusions of grandeur.

Oh how wrong you are as I received my bonus every month which is a performance related based payment as per most companies nowadays.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I was under the impression that this forum had a rule that you were not allowed to slag anyone off.

Therefore this certain 'Richard' has now broken that rule, and therefore should be expelled from this forum.

I am fully aware of free speech but when members start slagging off the good members of this forum, then action should be taken.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Well said Arthur

Here's a suggestion, lets ALL no longer reply to ANY thread created by Richard in ANY way.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Just put him on ignore and be done with it.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Yes, your post now has more substance and can now be considered.

I am aware that there is a Richard Coulter on Digital Spy. Why the foregone conclusion that we are one and the same people? How many people do you think are called 'Chris' on the internet?

I believe that Forum Hosts on DS were a temporary experiment. Management decided not to continue the scheme when it came to it's natural end.

It has already been explained, and reassurances have been given, that my question is not ominous or anything to worry about.

I don't think that going through life being so suspicious and cynical of others, can be healthy at all.

That is a fair comment and a possibility, which is why I accept that people may not wish to comment on the subject at all, or would prefer to communicate via PM or email.

No-one is under any obligation to answer my question, but there is no need for the negative, snide and stirring attitude that I have witnessed from the usual few.

If anybody can and wishes to answer my question in public or in private, please do so. If you do not have the information asked for, or do not wish to discuss it, for any reason, it's perfectly fine to refrain from doing so.

It really is that simple!

As previously explained, Mr East has stated to me that nobody by your name was a member of the CWU at Albert Dock. If you dispute this, contact him yourself.

Either way, do not call me a liar or a fool, as that is your domain.

All staff did what suited both what they had to offer and fitted their personal circumstances best- that is not in dispute.

VM aims to be a modern, customer focussed company, whose staff are polite, respectful, friendly and helpful.

Your attitude towards other people would have been in conflict with this, so, don't be bitter towards VM, as everything has turned out for the best.

I do not believe that the Cableforum Team need your input in order to do their job correctly, however, if there was a specific rule regarding "slagging off", there would be a certain few individuals who follow me round the boards to try and stir things up that would have had action taken against them.

In any case, I believe that your time would be better spent considering whether your attitude towards the VM employees, who recently visited your home, was entirely appropriate.

Excellent idea, only can you also put me on ignore as you said you would last time?

Indeed-that's what any sensible person would do-but they like to have their puerile drama first ;)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I have decided a to post an edited version of the email sent by John East today to all ex employees that were affected by the closure and who are still part of the union due to the ongoing legal aspect of the closure.

Of course it has been heavily edited as the is no way that I am going to provide ammunition for someone like you but this is proof enough of how incorrect you have been once again.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Hi Richard Coulter, if in your comment you are referring to myself, l think you are dealing with the wrong person.

In my time on this forum, l have been 'warned' off by my comments to fellow colleagues and have toned down my comments, I would however say that when you make comments that slag other members off, then you have no right on this forum.

All members have to abide by the 'fairness' rules and get blocked, everyone is entitled to give there comments in a dignified manner, but l think your comments are going a bit over the top. And yes, l am a union man.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

As I received the above email this afternoon from him somehow I think he is well aware of who I am as otherwise the would be no email to post, I did judiciously remove any tidbits you could hope to use hence the heavy use of the word REDACTED as the content of the email was not for anyone outside of the group affected by the legal action presently in place.

You are delusional and need to seek medical help as soon as possible if for one minute you believe that the were no CWU members with the name Peter at the Albert Dock.

But in reality you are probably just trying to find out my surname in the equally deluded hope that you could somehow sue me which makes you an even bigger fool as anything posted on a forum has no real legal standing especially considering the lies and mistruths that you have posted throughout this thread, I would have a much stronger counter argument against yourself.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Yes, Richard, I know you are aware of that fact.

Here's something you may not be aware of. One of the key skills of a forum moderator is being able to spot the same person posting under multiple guises. We develop a keen nose for literary style, amongst many other things. Of course, it works in reverse as well. Many users have similar forum names without us so much as raising an eyebrow.

Trust me, when I assert that the Richard Coulter on DS is you, I'm not taking a stab in the dark just because the name is the same. The MO is a very nice match as well. The passive-aggressive bullying of VM staff combined with frequent allusions to high-up management contacts within the company, which you have made both on DS and here on CF, pretty much seal the deal.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I've not heard anything for a quite a time about this case. Has there been any progress thus far?

If the law has been broken, it must and will take it's course.

I suspect, however, that justice is not the main driving force for the CWU, but money.

It should be borne in mind that any victory, however, could impact on remaining VM staff. The company is heavily laden with debt and any payout that people receive, will, effectively, be taken from the pockets of former colleagues- there simply isn't a slush fund within VM hanging around in case former staff decide to turn on their former employer. Any payout is likely to be paid for with jobs, pay, conditions and training.

Secondly, I always try to argue that jobs should be retained in the UK.

As a further knock on effect, incidences like this weaken the case for keeping jobs in the UK, where employees currently have rights which stifle job retention and creation.

Putting into context the fact that most former members of Albert Dock staff obtained their appropriate redundancy package and went straight onto alternative employment, this could turn out to be a very hollow victory indeed...

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Virgin Media makes money and is worth more than its debt so that isn't an issue.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

If you haven't got a relevant update, which you haven't. Why post anything at all, especially the garbage that you have?

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

What, your "high level contacts" in VM not able to give you any insider info? What a let-down.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

There has been no further info and the chance of any members of staff posting that info is pretty dam zero :)

Funny i was under the impression this thread was locked until such time as there was new info

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

It's you that posts garbage.

I am entitled to both hold and express my opinion. You must respect that, even if you disagree with it. Remember, that's why millions of people were killed and maimed in WWII.

If you can't think of anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

This thread was not locked. It was kept open for any further news to be posted. You have no mandate to speak on behalf of the members of staff involved in this issue.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

And you in turn must respect the opinion of those who think truth, fact and reality play minor parts in your posts. Even if you disagree with it.

:nutter:

The irony has left me almost speechless. In the past you have lauded your supposed 'insider knowledge' from these 'contacts' yet it seems if we call you out on it, these 'managers' appear to be silent to you.

Should the issue of Albert Dock reach the courts then I'm sure it will be made public for all to see.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I am surprised and disappointed that you have chosen to use the emicon "nutter".

Even if you personally don't find such a term offensive, other people who suffer from mental health illnesses and disabilities do, as do many carers.

I have not "lauded" about any VM contacts at all, I simply speak as things are and that is that. If this causes issues within you, it is for you alone to deal with.

But, let's not beat about the bush. This isn't what your mounting gratuitously caustic posts are about is it? Care to share?

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I have a mental health condition and I have no issues with the 'nutter'. That emoticon has been part of the forum for almost 10 years. You are the first person to mention this.

I don't really think I'm alone. I just get a niggling feeling about that.

Oh ok then. My issue has been with the passive-aggressive posts and poorly-disguised threats made in this and other similar threads about the treatment of VM staff.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Glad i am not the only one to see this. Its the reason i no longer raise to the bait and threats

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Please avoid the petty insults

Nope. thread was left open as we didn't want to close it so that one day, if someone did know something they would be able to share it

And you to need to avoid the insults and baiting of others.

Wrong. The Cable Forum Team determines what people can and cannot have a mandate to speak about on the forum. Do not attempt to moderate the matter yourself.

The thread was not locked, and was kept open to allow further news to be posted. Your post was not news. As someone who seems to get involved in so many issues, I'm surprised that you don't realise legal matters can take months if not years for anything to happen and often fade away quietly with no publicity settlements.

I'm surprised and disappointed that yet again another thread brings in references to disabilities, where that was not relevant to the thread topic.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Its strange that he accuses others of attacking his disabilities and yet HE is the only one who mentions them and no one would have known was it not for his bringing them up. :rolleyes:

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

He wants us not to win this case but as the non existent contacts can offer any information real or more likely imagined he futility posts here.

When we win it will posted here and until such time you can speak to your so called friends.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Like I said, you may not have a problem with derogatory terminology directed at those with mental health problems, but I imagine that most sufferers and their carers do- please think about the feelings of other people and not just your own.

A "niggling feeling" in itself does not give you the right to harass other members with acerbic post after acerbic post.

And then we end up back with this old chestnut. As previously explained, I have not been aggressive in any manner or made any threats towards VM staff.

Quite the opposite, in fact. For example, I have clarified matters of confusion, looked into benefit regulations and offered direct help to anyone affected by the closure.

You have never been threatened. You never fail to post anything that you think will stir up bad feeling or upset.

---------- Post added at 17:10 ---------- Previous post was at 16:58 ----------

I meant that Sirius cannot claim to speak on behalf of the former members of staff from Albert Dock as he was not amongst them.

I asked if anyone had heard anything about the case, if not, fair enough, but why such snide hostility?

Discrimination of the disabled is intertwined into society in general and must be exposed wherever it exists.

I don't think that Russ went out to offend, but it is often such thoughtlessness that can be the most offensive.

The harassment that I am currently experiencing by a certain few is based soley on the fact that I am severely disabled- that's why the subject keeps rearing it's ugly head .

---------- Post added at 17:20 ---------- Previous post was at 17:10 ----------

Records show that your harassment of me began around the same time that I mentioned that I was severely disabled.

Once again, I must point out that "he" has a name, or are you being deliberately rude again?

Your post is difficult to decipher, however, it appears that you are saying that you believe that I do not want the CWU to win the case.

To clarify, I have no vested interest in whether the CWU win this case or not. However, if the case is won, it may prove to be a hollow victory as explained earlier.

As also previously explained, I have no interest in your views about the legitimacy of any contacts that I may have with VM.

You cannot assume that you will win, remember the old saying about counting chickens before they are hatched...

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

This, like a number of other threads, appears to have been taken off-topic by Richard Coulter raising disability as a straw-man argument against anything others post.

This sort of behaviour is coming very close to harassment, and if it continues, the Infraction System will be invoked.

Could I also request that other posters do not rise to the bait and get drawn into arguments that could lead to the Infraction System being invoked against them.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

It will not be hollow especially with any surrounding publicity it will show how much of a error they made in the first place.



I probably still have more contacts at various levels within Virgin Media than you could ever have in your fertile imagination.

A contact is not a person who answers your complaint via letter or email with their name at the bottom by the way.

I think Virgin Media will literally be dropping bricks with the evidence at hand but that is something you will hear about after the case goes to court probably by reading it in the news.

The above is a broad statement of fact that no evidence will be shown daylight until after the court case but I do find it amusing the way the ex employees from the Albert Dock are baited in various ways in the slender hope that a single shred of evidence will be posted online in the hope it will thwart the case the CWU has against Virgin Media as it gets conveyed elsewhere by someone.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

While not surprised, I am getting quite irritated by the continual derailment of this [and other topics], so let me add to the comments of Hugh and Rob, and make this clear. If you (RC) start to derail another topic, I will solve your percieved problem for you very quickly (with a few clicks of my mouse). I'm sure you can figure out how - you have been warned. Stick to the topic, not your agenda.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

It might not be a hollow victory for your personal pocket if ex employees get a lump sum for doing nothing. It will be for existing employees and CWU members depending upon how this is paid for with a loss of jobs, more outsourcing abroad or reductions in budgets for pay, conditions and training. Customers may also be asked to foot the cost with higher bills, in turn reducing the competitiveness of VM and the consequent downward spiral.

Most of the above are trade union issues, or is it just about short term financial gain for trade union leaders these days?

As previously explained, I have no interest in your views on the legitimacy of any contacts that I may have within VM. Similarly, I have no interest in any contacts that you claim to have. It's simply not relevant.

Your allegation that ex employees from Albert Dock have been "baited in various ways in the slender hope that a single shred of evidence will be posted online in the hope it will thwart the case the CWU has against Virgin Media as it gets conveyed elsewhere by someone" has no substance whatsoever, only in your over active imagination.

The simple fact is that, during the worst economic climate in living memory, the CWU is trying to extract money from a loss making company that has had to shed thousands of jobs in order to survive.

It is for reasons like this that, unfortunately, most employers and employees now regard trade unions as irrelevant to their needs and have done from the 1980's onwards. I say "unfortunately" because I am all in favour of RESPONSIBLE trade unionism.

Like I said earlier, I have no vested interest in the outcome of the case, but existing members and employees do need to be aware that this latest trick by the CWU has soured relations and all but killed my argument that jobs should be kept in-house within the UK.

Regardless of the outcome of the case, much of the damage has already been done to both current and future job prospects.

But, what does this matter if you get a payout for yourself Peter?

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

As long as we win our case I honestly do not care nor do the hundreds who lost their jobs due to outsourcing to people with little or no knowledge of our jobs and without the skills required.

Nor does have anything to do with us getting new jobs as that just proves that we have the right skills for the marketplace which being made redundant cannot remove.

This case will highlight lies and mistruths perpetuated by Virgin Media during the closure of the call centre.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

As a CWU member myself i have been watching the developments with interest and it will be interesting how each party responds to the outcome.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

So, you openly admit that you don't care about current Virgin Media staff. At least you can be credited with being honest.

It's a shame that Virgin Media don't command at least a little respect from you for feeding you and keeping a roof over your head for years. If they had known this in advance, perhaps they wouldn't have taken you on in the first pace.

You cannot, however, speak unilaterally for your former colleagues. I would imagine that they have a less selfish and more respectful outlook on life than yourself.

Another reason that I believe that this is short sighted behaviour is the reaction of your current employer to seeing you turn on your former employer at the drop of a hat for a potential quick easy buck.

Don't allow yourself to believe that it's done you any favours...

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

"More respectful"?????

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

My, such sanctimony.

Virgin Media has, of course, done no such thing. It has entered into a simple contract in which it has paid an agreed hourly or annual rate in exchange for Peter's labour. That contract is governed and restricted by various pieces of employment law. Most of what passes for "caring" on VM's part (or any other large employer, particularly publicly traded ones) is a consequence of legal obligation. A PLC's duty is to its shareholders, not its staff, and laws which force them to "care" for their staff are there precisely because in the absence of such laws, many, if not most, of them do not.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Reminds me of the bad old days where you had to take your cap off to speak to the boss or you were docked a days pay :erm:

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Partly correct.

The sale of one's labour is a two way adult transaction. Thankfully, most of these transactions are done in good faith between employer and employee with mutual respect.

What an unfortunate cynical attitude you have regarding these transactions and the sense of care and duty that most parties have for each other.

As an example, VM are not legally obliged to offer discounted products and services to their employees, but they do, as a way of saying thank you. It's a pity that gestures such as this were not appreciated by some former members of staff.

As for accusations of sanctimony, you are well known for writing some of the most sanctimonious posts on the forum.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

What an horrendously outdated attitude you have regarding these transactions. This is 2012 not 1952.

No, it's a way of saying "please come and work for us and don't disappear off to the competition".

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I think you will find Russ that a far amount of staff don't get discounted services because they don't live in a on net area ;)

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

But the pendulum has now moved too far the other way. I have actually witnessed people being openly rude to their employer!!! No matter what a persons financial status, good manners and respect cost nothing- there is no excuse.

Negotiations between the Government and employers' representatives are currently taking place to redress this and, hopefully, create more employment to help the UK out of the current economic crisis.

One idea being mooted is for employees to give up their employment rights in return for employee share ownership tax benefits. This should have the desirable effect of people working for a company rather than against it. How's that for a novel idea!

Ordinary working people have their part to play in the drive towards recovery too. As Mr Cameron says "we are all in this together".

---------- Post added at 19:15 ---------- Previous post was at 19:08 ----------

So, let's hear your take on the sale of a persons labour then?

As for your last point, it is akin to the age old debate as to what is "bribery" and what is "an incentive".

The salient point is that VM do not only take care of their employees because of legislative requirements.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

In a relevant thread I would go in to it.

Fixed that for you.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Question ,

don't redundancy payments for insolvent and loss making companies come from the redundancy payments office or is that only for insolvent companies ?

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

As far as I'm concerned the last 20 odd posts have been completely off topic.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

If you believe your point to be off topic, it's probably better not to make it in the first place.

The salient point that I made was that VM do not only take care of their employees because of legislative requirements. It is not for you to amend this.

If a company has gone into liquidation and is unable to meet it's redundancy payment obligations, payment may be ultimately made from the National Insurance fund. This was not the case with payments made in respect of the Albert Dock closure.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Why should I care one iota about people taking over my job be it in another part of the country or another continent I cannot wish them well and if you think that is wrong then the is something wrong with you.:rolleyes:

Why would they have my respect they closed my place of work and moved the positions elsewhere in a underhand and disreputable manner, no employer that behaves in such a way can demand respect.

Somehow I rather doubt it considering we are talking about 400+ people, the majority have jobs but will never feel any respect towards Virgin Media after the way we were treated

I really think you should seek urgent medical attention as you seem to have serious issues with regards facts, reality and extremes of fantasy as they all seem to merge into one in your posts.

______________________________________

The closure of the Albert Dock meant that people who were very good at their job were to all intents and purposes dumped on the scrapheap with a few moving to Swansea which may work in the short term if you have no ties up here, but the offer to move down their was never a realistic option for the majority.

Luckily the majority found work quite quickly and easily due to their skills which is something budding employers look for in new staff, a few have set themselves up in business and appear to being thriving in their new positions.

One or two took a lot longer to find a position that appealed to them which was their prerogative.

Some moved to other positions up in the Northwest staying within Virgin Media, so apart from those few people the vast majority feel nothing but anger towards Virgin Media because of the way they went about the closure especially its announcement in the Liverpool Echo prior to the Albert Dock staff being told which was shockingly unproffesional to say the least.

As for myself I will always work in the way expected of me by any employer because that is the way I am unless they do as Virgin Media did to the former employees from the Albert Dock.

If the CWU win and we are awarded compensation I will be happy but as happy as I would have been if my job had stayed at the Albert Dock because I would have still been working there to this day, you may wonder why I say this and my answer is that I was good at my job and I enjoyed it which is something not many people can ever truly say about their jobs.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I do hope that this does not indicate your stalking of members of this forum by following them from one employer to another to seek each employer's opinions on their staff :(

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Not going to happen with me as he will never know where I presently work.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Its a sad state of affairs when you cannot say who you work for on this forum for fear of being stalked and harassed. :shocked:

I am presently thinking of changing my name on this forum and starting fresh to prevent this from continuing. :(

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

I wonder what goes through the mind of someone so intent on belittling people who have been made redundant and I will never believe that he knows anyone high up within Virgin Media.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Hi all

May i start by saying that i DONOT want to join in on the debate of the closure of Albert Dock, although it is in the area where i live and a couple of my friends where actually caught up in the fiasco!!!

I would like to give my opinion on this thread as a member of this forum, and i must say that this doesn't come across as a healthy debate, it is actually a personal slanging match from members trying to discredit other members. This thread is supposed to be about the closure of Albert Dock, and the way it was handled with the union getting involved to get a satisfactory ending for its members.

in real life if we dont get on with someone, or dislike a person, we ignore them and dont let them come into our lives, yet on this forum certain members make sure all hell breaks loose and it becomes a tit for tat situation.

And yes i know that i will be shot down in flames by the infamous poster (u all know who am referring to) but who cares, wat will be will be, ppl can only have their 10 mins of glory if others allow them to!!!!!

Juliex

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock
 

Off topic Posts removed AGAIN.

Re: Virgin Media Closing Albert Dock