Talks held to try to save sorting office

[johnnyp]

http://www.creweguardian.co.uk/news/368 ... ng_office/
Talks held to try to save sorting office
4:20pm Sunday 21st September 2008

By Mark Hilditch »

A CROSS-party group of councillors has met with union officials representing workers at Crewe’s Royal Mail office in a campaign to save it from the axe. The Weston Road sorting office has been earmarked for closure as part of a major shake-up to streamline and automate the service.

Last month Royal Mail announced plans to close its sorting offices in Crewe and in Liverpool, moving the local 600 jobs to Warrington.

But the company has now confirmed it is considering a new centre in Liverpool and transferring the Crewe jobs there.

A collections hub will still run from Crewe.

In last week’s meeting at the Municipal Buildings in Crewe, councillors were joined by local MP Edward Timpson, and South Cheshire Chamber chief executive John Dunning.

Council Leader, Councillor John Hammond said: “We had a very productive meeting with the unions, and have undertaken to do all we can to keep these vital jobs here in Crewe.

“We are particularly concerned that the needs of staff are taken into account and Royal Mail service standards are maintained.”

MP Mr Timpson added: “The meeting was very productive and helped bring together parties concerned for the future of the Crewe mail centre.”

Union spokesman Steve Wright described the plans as ‘horrendous’ for the hundreds of workers and for the local economy.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We have now shared our preferred option with our people and we firmly believe these proposals represent the best option for our future mail centre network in the North West and will ensure we deliver the best possible service for our customers. “These changes are not expected to take place until 2009, and we are committed to continuing to consult with the trade unions and we will continue to work with our people to explain the options available to them individually.”

Borough councillors are due to meet with the Royal Mail management to raise their concerns later this month.

[Night Tonic]

A chinwag. That'll save it from closing then.

[borders]

A chinwag. That'll save it from closing then.

another constructive post , you really are a muppet

[andy2007]

A chinwag. That'll save it from closing then.

A chinwag, as you put it, is the best way to sort problems out. Why must everything be turned into a conflict?
Obviously there are times, when you can't sort things out with words. But you should always (in my opinion) try the diplomatic approach first.

[Night Tonic]

Of course, but bear in mind people have been 'discussing' post office closures all over and still 2,500 will go. It'll need a lot more than a chinwag to change this.

[kingtubby]

...It'll need a lot more than a chinwag to change this.

Such as?