First of two postal strikes set to bring disruption

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THE first of two 24-hour postal strikes will start in Peterborough tonight (Monday) and it is expected to cause widespread disruption.
Members of the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) Eastern Number Five Branch will also take industrial action tomorrow affecting mail delivery in the PE1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 postcode areas.

Staff at Peterborough delivery office in Papyrus Road, Werrington will walk out from 9pm tonight until 9pm on Tuesday.

While network drivers and collection drivers will walk out on strike from 4am tomorrow until 4am on Wednesday.

Mail workers in Huntingdon delivery office will also be joining them in strike action from 11pm tonight until 9pm tomorrow.

The strikes follow walk-outs in August and earlier this month following a row over pay and conditions between the CWU and Royal Mail management.

The union said it was forced to stage further strikes to get bosses to listen to their concerns.

Area delivery representative Mark Cooke said: "Royal Mail is continuing to refuse to reach national agreements. They are now forcing the local postmen and women to take on extra work that they simply have not got time to complete within the duty times."

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said the company was "getting on with modernisation in an entirely fair and reasonable way".

She added: "We urge the CWU to stop hurting customers and to call off their strikes and provide customers with the service they need and expect from Royal Mail."