The Suffolk hyde Affair - Doc 65 Sigi Winters - Sigi Schwabe

Lowestoft Fire station
PO Box 54
Lowestoft
NR 32 2QA
11 – 03 - 1999

Dear Miss Schwabe,

I write in reply to your letter dated 9th March 1999.

I can confirm that we had a telephone conversation in connection with my grievance. The grievance was invoked January 1999. As part of that conversation I agreed that I would, subject to certain undertakings, be prepared to allow DCFO Simon Smith and extension to the time limits applied to the procedure.

The first undertaking I sought was that any extension would be restricted to a further seven days. It would not extend beyond 7th March 1999. You agreed that this was perfectly reasonable and sufficient to enabled the DCFO to hear the grievance and comply with his responsibilities.

The second undertaking I sought was that DCFO Simon Smith should make a written apology for the delay incurred in dealing with the grievance. You agreed that this was perfectly reasonable.

I also sought an undertaking from you to confirm the above matters were acceptable by 1700 hrs on the same day (1st March 1999). You agreed to accept that responsibility and contact me at work by telephone. Having, been advised that the mutually agreed grievance arrangements were acceptable I would then withdraw my memo 28th February 1999 (doc 51). By 1700 hrs on 1st March 1999 I had received no undertaking, by telephone or other medium, from you that the compromises I had offered you were acceptable/not acceptable.

As to your latest proposals for DCFO Simon Smith to conduct a grievance hearing, that should be heard within seven days, up to two months late. Such a delay is unacceptable and I will apply my right to put the grievance in front of the elected members as applied for 28th February 1999 (see attachment doc 51).

Finally, I note your efforts to contact me by telephone at home. Following the harassing conduct of T/ADO Graham Saward, reported to DO. C. Hodge, please ensure you refrain from causing me further distress at home. To avoid all doubt, you should not telephone me at home. Should you or any Fire Service officer wish to discuss work matters with me then you/they should do so at work.

Yours faithfully

MJ Hyde