Postal workers to stage one hour strike

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/4 ... ur_strike/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Six postal workers from Watford will stage a one hour strike next week.

Senior representatives of the Communication Workers Union, based at the Royal Mail sorting office in Ascot Road, will walk out in protest at the suspension of their colleague Bob Kennedy.

Mr Kennedy, a health and safety rep who is expected to be among those on strike, was suspended almost 12 weeks ago.

The union claim he is still to be charged for any offence, but sources inside Royal Mail told the Watford Observer Mr Kennedy had been reinstated two weeks ago.

He will return from annual leave on Monday.

Union members in Watford have already balloted for strike action, and the walkout of just six people for one hour on Tuesday is designed to keep the prospect of wider-scale action alive.

Employers must be notified of industrial action within 28 days of a ballot, and as Royal Mail did not agree to extend that deadline, the CWU opted to walk out for one hour in order to receive a 28 day extension.

Alan Walsh, CWU branch secretary, said: “We would rather not take any action at all but Royal Mail are not prepared to agree (to an extension of the ballot). We didn't want to make unnecessary problems for people in the area by bringing the whole branch out, which is what people here wanted to do.

“Hopefully it will buy us another 28 days and the case will be finished.”

A Royal Mail representative said: "We do not comment on individuals. However, Royal Mail and its people strictly follow disciplinary procedures agreed with staff and unions in all cases."

[fatherchristmas]

this is pathetic we want to join london and scotland but nothing seems to be happening, trying to find a rep at the moment more chance of finding lord lucan