MP: I will not be bullied in postal dispute

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/story-1986 ... z2gOEYRigD" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The union that slammed Westcountry MPs for "avoiding debate" on the future of Royal Mail has voted unanimously to picket outside their offices.

Officials of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) branded Plymouth Tory MPs Oliver Colvile and Gary Streeter as "disgraceful" for their "refusal to openly debate" the potential privatisation of Royal Mail.

But Mr Colvile replied by saying he was not "going to be intimidated or bullied by anyone".

CWU representatives claim that despite the offer of holding meetings in public, in front of postal workers and at a Conservative members meeting, neither MP had responded to the challenge.

Postal workers gathered yesterday at a mass meeting at Home Park in Plymouth, where more than 150 people working in delivery, distribution, Parcelforce, and other areas of the business spoke about direct action against the MPs.

CWU divisional representative Chris Webb said: "We're going to announce dates in the next couple of weeks and picket their workplaces and hugely embarrass them.

"They haven't been anywhere near Royal Mail and they haven't spoken to any of you. They're making decisions that will influence and change your lives."

But Mr Colvile said: "I am not going to be intimidated or bullied by anyone and I hope when they are picketing they are not going to be stopping people entering who really do need my help.

"I think that would be utterly appalling."

[Red Robbo]

Mass meeting, only 150 members turned up, that's got to be embarrassing for the Union let alone the Member of Parliament for Plymouth in favour of privatisation ???

[TrueBlueTerrier]

150 is very good - we had 20 - 25 turn up at ours last week and apparently it was better attended than Bradford.

Deliveries don't forget are smaller units than MCs and the meetings are usually off site and out of work hours.

[Pat Ostman]

150 is very good - we had 20 - 25 turn up at ours last week and apparently it was better attended than Bradford.

Deliveries don't forget are smaller units than MCs and the meetings are usually off site and out of work hours.

Agreed, we had around 25-30