Whitstable postal workers set to strike
10th January 2013
Talks aimed at saving Whitstable delivery office on Wednesday of this week failed to make any progress meaning that this Saturday's strike is going ahead. Around 50 postal workers are affected by the planned move to Canterbury and local residents are unhappy with the plans. CWU says Royal Mail is failing to stick to national agreements on office closures.
Postwomen and postmen will take part in the 24-hour protest action at Whitstable Delivery Office, which is earmarked for closure as part of Royal Mail's restructuring programme, and they have invited members of the local community to join them in a Day of Action.
Area delivery rep Jean Roberts explained that the dispute had arisen after local management refused to abide by the national agreement on delivery office closures - an agreement that was reached last year between the union and Royal Mail.
"We just want them to follow the national agreement,"
she said, adding: "The people of Whitstable don't want
this and they can't see any reason for it."
While the company has said that there has been consultation over
the closure, the union points out that this
"consultation" has solely consisted of Royal Mail telling
them that the office is going to close.
If the closure goes ahead, the workforce will have to travel to Canterbury Delivery Office, sort their rounds and then travel back to Whitstable to deliver the mail, while residents will have to make the same trip to pick up any undelivered items.
CWU members report strong support from Whitstable residents for
their campaign, which was the focus for the town's Postal
Workers Day activities in December, when local people joined postal
workers at the delivery office to back their stance.
Other campaign activities have included public meetings in the
town, lobbying of local politicians and businesses, and a petition
calling for a rethink has won over 5,000 signatures.
Visit the Facebook Group for more information on the day: http://www.facebook.com/groups/2369583521/#!/events/544988872196095/
To read the press release please click > here
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