Wakefield posties walk out over shift changes

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POSTAL services ground to a halt this week when Royal Mail delivery drivers walked out over controversial changes to their working conditions.
Transport staff at Royal Mail's Normanton depot started a 24-hour strike at 4am on Wednesday, halting deliveries and causing a backlog of mail which was still being cleared today.

The drivers were furious that they were not consulted over changes which drastically alter the working hours of some staff.

They could lose up to £9,000 a year after the overtime and benefits they were used to were scrapped, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) claims.

Paul Johnson, 53, who has worked for Royal Mail for 30 years, said his five-day shift pattern had been scrapped in favour of an unpredictable 'floating' position.

Mr Johnson said: "Week in, week out, I won't know what shifts I'm working. This will have a big effect on my family life."

John Heseldine, a Royal Mail employee of 25 years, was working a five-day week on a 6.30am until 4.40pm shift. This will change to four days on a 9.45am until 7.45pm shift.

He said: "You get used to the same hours and working to a routine, but I have lost my contracted hours."

Richard York, 29, said he would lose his regular shifts after being placed on a 'reserve' list which means he is not even guaranteed a full week's work.

He said: "It is as if they have done their best to disturb our home lives."

Dave Hutchinson, CWU area distribution representative, said the changes breached a national agreement with the union, a claim Royal Mail denies.

He said: "The changes were made with no agreement or consultation and will have a massive impact on drivers."

The strike was one of 12 which saw 1,300 staff walk out at centres including London, Birmingham, Peterborough and Bristol.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We cannot understand why the union is claiming to support modernisation when it is pursuing a policy of actively opposing the changes we need to make to ensure there's a successful future for the business, its people and its customers.

"Any changes we are making are fully in line with the existing agreement on modernisation."

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A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We cannot understand why the union is claiming to support modernisation when it is pursuing a policy of actively opposing the changes we need to make to ensure there's a successful future for the business, its people and its customers.

Strange phrase that - its usually "Our People" .