Postal workers at the Burslem delivery office start industrial action in a dispute over the suspension of 12 colleagues.
Burslem Delivery Office has been the site of a large number of unofficial walkouts this year, alongside the official strike action in August and October.
The Communication Workers' Union (CWU) said about 100 members at the Royal Mail delivery office in Burslem walked out from 4am as last-ditch talks failed to resolve the dispute. The strike will continue until January 2nd. The twelve workers suspended, three of whom are CWU reps and another three former reps, were suspended on 11th September following spurious complaints including ‘encouraging others not to cooperate with Royal Mail management’ and ‘misuse of position as CWU rep’. This was at a time when there was a national dispute taking place in Royal Mail which was eventually settled in October.
To combat the strike Royal Mail officials are drafting in up to 200 managers from across the West Midlands.
The union wants their cases taken to a national appeals panel and an independent review of Royal Mail's investigation process into allegations of bullying and harassment.
Royal Mail has agreed to reinstate three of the workers and no decision has been made on the other nine. All 12 remain off work in a show of solidarity.
The CWU has said it is also planning a mass rally in Burslem. No date has been set, but officials said a march through the town was being considered.
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