West Norfolk - Postal workers in new strike moves

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By Sophie Wyllie
MORE strike action is being considered by the West Norfolk postal workers.
Talks between the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) and Royal Mail started again yesterday but at the time the Lynn News went to press an agreement had not been reached.

Chris Newton, Downham's representative of the CWU, said: "The vast majority of posties have such enthusiasm and dedication to the job that it is going against the grain to go on strike.

"However, they feel they have been placed in a corner by Royal Mail, by being forced to work in untenable working conditions.

"The mainstream media has been saying that this is over pay and conditions.

"In reality it is quite simply just about working conditions. I cannot believe we have got into this position. The thing is, there is strong feeling in the CWU and the posties."

This "strong feeling" in the Downham delivery office was obvious because only three people worked last Friday, while the rest of the postmen were on the picket line.

"Downham is not a militant office so to get this many people out speaks volumes," added Mr Newton.

If Royal Mail chiefs and the CWU don't come to an agreement postmen in Downham, Lynn, Hunstanton and Swaffham will form picket lines this Saturday.

Postal workers from smaller delivery offices around the area will also take part in the action.

According to Mr Newton the postmen want "a fair day's work for a fair day's pay," and claims: "We posties honestly care about you and the service we give, we really don't want to strike."

In 2007 the Royal Mail had an agreement with the CWU over pay and modernisation.

In total four phases were to be introduced and the current strike relates to the fourth and final phase, which hasn't yet been put in place.

Adam Oakes, CWU area delivery representative, said: "We hope to have some sort of agreement to allow us to call off Saturday's strike."