Post Office strike could take place on Christmas Eve

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... e-10524398" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A Post Office strike could take place on Christmas Eve as staff object to the hours bosses want them to work.

The M.E.N has learnt that counter staff at 300 branches nationwide are balloting for strike action over bosses’ demands they work until 4pm on Christmas Eve.

In previous years, they have been allowed home at lunch time.

They are being offered time off in lieu and extra pay to work the extra time - in part to deal with the demand of online deliveries.

If the Communication Workers Union members return a majority vote, counter staff at Greater Manchester’s 20 ‘Crown' branches could walk out.

This includes the depots in Spring Gardens and Albert Square.

Nationally, around 2,500 staff at 300 (of a total 11,500) branches nationwide are affected. The ballot does not include staff at smaller Post Offices - those which are not purpose-built ‘Crown’ branches.

A worker who asked not to be named said, if voted through, the strike would take place on Christmas Eve.

But neither the Communications Workers Union or the Post Office could confirm this.

A CWU spokeswoman confirmed that a trade dispute currently exists between the CWU and the Post Office regarding Christmas Eve opening hours.

She added: “However, both parties have agreed to meet again with the aim of seeking an agreed way forward.”

The M.E.N has asked how many workers and depots this could affect in Greater Manchester.

A Post Office spokeswoman said talks are continuing and 97 per cent of staff would not be included in the ballot.

Roger Gale, General Manager, Post Office Crown Network: said: ”Colleagues in Crown branches are paid to work until 5.30pm on Christmas Eve, and we are asking them to stay open until 4pm.

"However, we recognise that this would be a change to their usual working patterns so we are offering time off in lieu, as well as a payment to thank them for their efforts.

“The vast majority of our 11,500 branches will be unaffected if strike action takes place so customers should be reassured that they will still be able to pick up their parcels, withdraw their money and access other Post Office services at the these branches.

[rambo1]

You know what, I used to finish at 10.30-11am on Xmas eve. Now it's 2pm. Grow up post office staff and move with the times like the rest of us have had to. Not ad though you're being asked to do it for free.