Six days of strikes set for Staffordshire post

:arrow: previous libcom coverage

Since Christmas, postal bosses in North and Mid Staffordshire have attempted to replace full-time jobs with part-time ones. But after six days of strike action by 700 posties across 11 depots, managers have been forced to back down.

Andy Bentley stated on socialistparty.org.uk that despite continuous intimidation by management, posties at the Burslem depot have been at the forefront of this fight to defend jobs, pay and conditions.

In a "pathetic attempt to save face," management wrongly accused and suspended 62 year-old Burslem postie, Dave Condliffe, for abusive behaviour [of a person hired to catch up on the strike backlog work - libcom]. In response, Burslem postal workers walked out for four days unofficial action. Because of management's continued intransigence, they have now voted in favour of further strike action by 67 votes to 8.

A planned four-day strike planned last month for Stoke-on-Trent over changes to sickness and overtime arrangements on the other hand was called off. Staff at the Burslem delivery office were due to walk out but Royal Mail said it has agreed a way forward with the Communication Workers Union to bring working practices in line with national standards. The union said there are a couple of outstanding issues which still need to be addressed - including the disciplinary action.

A union spokesman said bosses "were removing previous agreements that were in place over how they cover absence for sickness and overtime... The previous agreements that were removed have now been re-negotiated and to some extent are back in place."

Messages of support can be sent to CWU. Midland No 7, Lindsay Street Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 4EP. Fax 01782 272978. Telephone 01782 285833. E-mail [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]