41259 Daily rosters posted ‘too late’

May 2011 in Freight Operations

Rostering Not Specified

Drivers at DB Schenker industrial depots are said to be receiving insufficient notice when there are changes to their rosters.

Drivers are issued their weekly rosters every Friday. However, as these are subject to change daily rosters are also issued, just before midday, resulting in staff receiving the minimum 12 hours' notice to any changes made to their next shift. The reporter is concerned that this impacts upon a Driver's ability to prepare themselves for their next shift, as both start times and shift duration can vary.
The reporter comments that these late notice changes affect Drivers who book on to work between 00:00 - 06:00 more as they already have irregular sleeping patterns. It can be difficult to establish a routine when the shift start time can vary by up to four hours every day.

Previously the daily roster was posted 24 hours in advance. The reporter appreciates that this is not always possible due to jobs being changed or cancelled.

• Could staff working early turns receive their daily roster before they book off from the previous shift?

Response from DB Schenker

Firstly DB Schenker Rail UK would like to thank the reporter for raising their concerns regarding staff working early turns and the request to receive their daily roster before booking off from their previous shift.
DB Schenker acknowledges that there will be occasions when staff who have booked on between the hours of 00:01- 06:00 may have booked off duty prior to the daily roster being posted at their depot. We have an agreed process whereby all daily rosters will be completed and posted by 11:00 the previous day.

Unfortunately, there will be times due to the nature of our business, and the requirement for changes that amendments will be made and some shifts will have to be altered in order to deliver our services. We will always ensure that any individual is given the minimum 12 hours notice to any changes to their turn of duty, and where possible we will endeavour to advise the individuals at the weekly roster stage of their work for the following week.