Strike action remained solid on today's fifth day of action in the network of 373 Crown Post Offices in a dispute over jobs, closures and pay. More than 100 offices were closed all day with others only able to provide reduced services or hours being staffed by casual staff and managers. Limited training and skills meant many offices couldn't offer full services despite managers being on considerably higher wages than striking post office staff.
Thousands more signatures were added to already lengthy petitions against plans to close and franchise 76 offices which would hit over 800 jobs. CWU is disappointed that the Post Office chose to spend tens of thousands of pounds on sending managers across the country to keep limited services open in some offices.
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "Our members remain determined to protect post office jobs and services and to win a fair pay rise. The overwhelming support we've seen across the country for today's fifth round of strike action is testament to the resolve of our members and the support they have received from their customers, communities and politicians.
"We're very disappointed that the Post Office again chose to spend tens of thousands of pounds sending managers out to do the work of striking Crown Post Office staff instead of focusing on a way of resolving this dispute. This money could have been used more wisely to help fund a pay rise for what the Post Office call 'its greatest assets' - its people.
A busy morning in Sunderland
"We're pleased we managed to secure an outstanding £100 payment for our members last week, but this was separate to pay talks on which there is still no progress. We put new proposals to management on pay last week and we again urge them to consider these in meaningful negotiations. All we want is a fair and mutually-agreed way forward on pay and sustainability of the network."
CWU was pleased to see the company confirm they have made progress on cost savings in today's Post Office media statement. This has come from staff support and CWU believes it is another strong reason to reward staff.
No talks are currently scheduled. CWU managed to secure an outstanding payment of £100 for members from a meeting held last week. This was separate to the pay talks on which no progress was made. No progress has been made on the issue of closure and franchise of 76 offices either.
Picket lines and/or closures affected office across the country today, ranging from Aberdeen to Old Swan and Bootle in Liverpool, from Sunderland to Leeds, Eastcote to Belfast, Manchester to Bristol, London to Wigan, Whitehaven, Bangor, Exmouth and elsewhere.