Post Office hits out at CWU call for strike action

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Post Office chiefs have hit out at calls by a union for strike action, while insisting they remain committed to maintaining service for customers in Whitstable and Margate.

The Communication Workers’ Union has called for two days of strike action - on Thursday, June 20, and Saturday, June 29, as part of an on-going dispute over closures, job security and pay.

Both the main Whitstable post office in Gladstone Road, and the Margate branch in Cecil Square face closure, with the post office counter instead moving inside a local shop.

Both outlets are currently known as Crown offices as they are run directly by Post Office Ltd, In order to keep costs and losses down, the Post Office is keen to see more and more share premises with retailers.

However, there has been stiff opposition in both towns to the move.

Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at the Post Office said: “We are disappointed at the CWU’s decision to call further strike action. “We must continue with our plans to turnaround the Crown network to ensure we keep these branches on high streets and in city centres across the UK.

“We remain open to discussions with the CWU on pay options which do not add to the current loss of public money.”

The Post Office stressed that its proposal to partner with a retailer is the best option to ensure the long term viability of Whitstable and Margate post offices and maintain services for its customers.