Ballymena Postal staff are seeking support

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Ballymena Post Office staff are hoping for a stamp of approval from the local public at a public meeting in the Braid Centre on Tuesday evening (October 29).

The Communications Workers Union have organised the meeting to outline their opposition to the closure of the traditional Crown Post Office in Wellington Street.

Johnny McKeever, Territorial Representative for the Comunication Workers Union, contended: “If Post Office Ltd have their way, Ballymena will no longer have a Crown Post Office. There will simply be a much reduced service at the back of a retail store.

“It is highly unlikely that any of the current staff will work at the new site, meaning that the service levels will reduce because of the loss of so much experience .

He claimed that although the current staff have the legal right to TUPE, the Post Office are only offering between £97,599 and £106,796 to run any new service.

“This would not cover the wages of half of the current staff.

“ The stafff feel this means they would have no real job security working for a small employer so in real terms they don’t have an option but to reluctantly leave their jobs in the Post Office.

“Clearly this is the Post Office’s preferred option, as they have set aside up to £20 million to pay people in 70 affected offices to walk away. Given the amount that

The Post Office are giving to the franchise partner to run the service, undoubtedly the new office will have fewer counter positions – only four down from the current seven positions - leading to longer queues and a poorer service for customers.

The CWU meeting takes place from 7pm – 9pm. North Antrim MP, Ian Paisley, =MLA’s and local councillors will be in attendance.