Union to stage weekend protest to save Paisley post office

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A protest is being staged on Saturday to try and reverse plans to axe Paisley’s biggest post office branch and save jobs. Last month, we revealed that jobs are under threat and customers will be forced to visit a counter inside a shop, as The Piazza shopping centre business is franchised off to a private firm.

A protest is being staged on Saturday to try and reverse plans to axe Paisley’s biggest post office branch and save jobs.

Last month, we revealed that jobs are under threat and customers will be forced to visit a counter inside a shop, as The Piazza shopping centre business is franchised off to a private firm.

The closure is part of a cost-cutting shake-up, which could see 39 Crown centres – those directly managed by Post Office Ltd – shut across the country.

More than a dozen counter and mail roles are under threat, and a protest will take place from 10am on Saturday.

Campaigners from the Communication Workers Union will be outside the branch collecting signatures against the closure and handing out leaflets to raise awareness of the threat to jobs and services.

The CWU, which represents staff, says 15 local jobs are at risk.

David Bowmaker, territorial representative of the CWU, said: “Paisley Crown Post Office is an essential part of the local economy.

“It’s a valuable asset to the town and is relied upon by local residents and businesses as well as people who collect their pensions and benefits here.

“The staff in Paisley are well-trained and have over 275 years of experience between them that could be lost under the company’s plans to close this office and find what it calls a ‘retail partner’.

“Paisley is gearing itself up to be UK City of Culture 2021 but if this Post Office was to close it would be a major blow to the local economy and to the services which many people rely on. “

More than 400 people have already signed an online petition called “Save Paisley Crown Post Office” at https://goo.gl/0HBrZg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mr Bowmaker added: “There are hundreds of people who come to this office every day and we just don’t think the same service could be matched by a few windows in the back of another shop.

“This is a dedicated office with good access arrangements in a prominent town centre position.

“We want these local jobs and services to be protected and that’s why we’ll be out on Saturday speaking to the people of Paisley to get their views and their support to keep it open.

“The Post Office management haven’t announced a company to take this office yet so we’re asking them to change their mind and save Paisley Crown office.”

Paisley is one of 42 Crown Post Offices announced for closure or franchise, causing outcry in communities affected.

Sign the petition now at https://goo.gl/0HBrZg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or get along to the protest on Saturday.