Activists support postal workers at United match

[Geezer]

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news ... ?id=460473


UNION activists were out in force at Cambridge United’s match with Kidderminster to show solidarity with striking postal workers.

The city branch of the Trades Union Council (TUC) sponsored the home fixture and collected more than £300 for the strike fund.

Campaigners were also on hand to distribute 3,000 leaflets detailing the dispute between the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail.

The union has announced a third wave of 24-hour national stoppages over modernisation and pay next Friday and the following Monday.

Tom Woodcock, secretary of the Cambridge & District TUC, said the demonstration had been well received.

He said: “Postal workers are defending the rights of all low-paid workers and the vital service Royal Mail provides to so many.

“If the public wants reliable and affordable public services then we need to get right behind the dispute.

“If the Government gets its way then hospitals and schools will be next on their list of services to attack.”

Mr Woodcock added: “The support we received on Saturday was tremendous. However, it is clear some people don’t understand the wider implications of the attack on the CWU and that is why it is import that people talk to postal workers.”

Members of Unite, Unison, the National Union of Teachers and the University and College Union were present at the R Costings Abbey Stadium.

Steve Sweeney, secretary of the Cambridge and Stevenage postal workers’ support group, said contributions had been from students, activists and unionists.

Negotiations between the CWU and Royal Mail were resuming today in a bid to avert the latest round of strikes.

Royal Mail managing director Mark Higson has condemned the union for calling more stoppages, warning it would “distract” the effort towards making an agreement.

A meeting of the Cambridge and Stevenage postal workers’ support group will be held at 7.30pm tomorrow in The Maypole pub in Park Street, Cambridge. All supporters are welcome.