Post workers consider strike over Bishop Street future

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http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/c ... -22332428/

HUNDREDS of postal workers in Coventry could be on strike during their busiest time of the year.

High-level negotiations will take place tomorrow between Royal Mail bosses and union representatives to decide whether industrial action is needed over the closure of the city's Bishop Street sorting office.

The dramatic steps could leave thousands of residents in Coventry without mail during the festive season.

Although union members a re keen to avoid any Christmas chaos, they have vowed to fight for postal staff and protect them from the closure - which threatens up to 500 jobs in the city.

Royal Mail bosses have this week been given seven days' notice of the union's plan to ballot for indust rial action - meaning postal workers could be on strike as early as next week.

The shock announcement comes as bosses revealed plans for two new delivery centres in Coventry - one in Foleshill Road and the second in London Road.

Mick Kavanagh, of the Communication Workers Union, said: "We have told Royal Mail that the ballot opens this week but we are still hopeful that the talks on Wednesday are able to resolve this situation.

"The last thing we want is industrial action at Christmas but if we have to fight for our members then we will. From our point of view, our members need to be looked after and protected, so we will do whatever it takes.