Royal Mail workers strike for second day over bullying claims

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Royal Mail workers are striking for a second day due to bullying and harassment claims.

Workers from the West Park delivery office downed tools yesterday morning and remain outside the gate this morning.

Eyewitnesses have said how there are around 30 to 40 postmen and women outside the office.

Ralph Ferrett, CWU Branch Secretary, Plymouth and East Cornwall, said that there was a meeting taking place currently and would not be able to provide a comment about this morning's strike until that had finished.

It comes just a week after postal workers from the Ivybridge delivery office walked out due to alleged bullying.

On Monday, Plymouth Live reported how Royal Mail confirmed it is investigating claims of bullying and harassment at Ivybridge delivery office, but Royal Mail has chosen not to comment on the alleged claims at the West Park office.

Martin Walsh, who is from the Communications Workers Union [CWU], said that bullying needs to be given a "bigger focus" and that members in "too many offices are being bullied" and that "enough is enough".


Yesterday, Mr Ferrett said: "The CWU membership at West Park walked out and took unofficial industrial action, due to longstanding complaints of bullying and harassment from local management and allegations of unfair work distrubtion.

"CWU officials are in talks attempting to resolve the issues, get members back to work and get our customers mail delivered, however we have to ensure that our members can work in an environment where they are not subject to endemic managerial bullying."

Plymouth Live has contacted Royal Mail for comment on today's strike.

Yesterday, the unofficial industrial action affected 29 different areas across Plymouth.

The following areas are affected; Ernesettle, St Budeaux, Tamerton Foliot, Manadon, Crownhill, Whitleigh, Honicknowle, Barne Barton, West Park, Weston Mill, King's Tamerton, Riverside, Southway, Estover, Derriford, Eggbuckland Widewell, Hartley Vale, Glenholt, Leigham, Bickleigh Down, Longbridge, Mainstone, Roborough, Bickleigh, Marsh Mills, Woolwell, Lopwell and Bickham.

A Royal Mail spokesperson: “We’re disappointed that staff at West Park Delivery Office (covering the PL5 and PL6 postcode areas) have taken unofficial industrial action today [Wednesday].

"We apologise to customers in the area for any disruption to their services and we are doing all we can to minimise this. The customer service point at the delivery office is open as usual for customers to collect mail for which we have left a “something for You” card."