CWU vows to keep fighting after posties fail to win jobs bac

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Union vows to keep fighting after posties fail to win jobs back

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UNION representatives have vowed to fight on after four postal workers sacked over allegations of bullying and harassment failed to win their jobs back.

They say the case could prove "historic" within the industry in terms of changing the relationship between unions and the employer.

The Burslem delivery office workers, who were suspended in 2007 and later fired, took their case to an employment tribunal.

But a panel of judges decided Royal Mail did not act unreasonably.


And union representatives are now taking legal advice and considering appealing the decision.

Part of the so-called 'Burslem 12', Paul Malyon, Dave Scaratt, Dave Evans and Mick Gardner were accused by a part-time colleague, Anne Worthington, of a campaign of bullying.

The dispute sparked a series of strikes at the Scotia Road depot and the men were ultimately dismissed.

Lee Barron, pictured, Midlands regional secretary at the Communication Workers' Union (CWU), said officials were "obviously extremely disappointed" with the tribunal ruling.

"But we will continue to support the workers involved, because we do not believe the dismissals were fair," he added.

"We've now got our legal team going over the tribunal's findings in order to consider whether or not it is worthy of appeal.

"The CWU remains 110 per cent behind the individuals concerned. We believe justice has not been secured."

Mr Barron said the case has been a strain on the four workers involved.

He said: "It's been going on for more than three years now, but they are very pragmatic about it and have certainly not bowed to the pressure. They remain committed to fighting for justice.

"This case could be an historic legacy for the industry. What we've got to do is make sure Royal Mail is not in a position to do this in the future.

"Burslem could go down in history for the right reasons if we can change the procedures."

Senior figures at the union have pledged their support for the so-called 'Burslem Four'.

Deputy general secretary Dave Ward said: "Everyone who has witnessed the dignified and courageous way that the Burslem members have conducted themselves in the past couple of years will understand the depth of their personal disappointment at the decision.

"Despite this, our members continue to display strength in adversity that is a credit to themselves and our union."

General secretary Billy Hayes added: "We can say on behalf of the union's executive council that we have no hesitation in restating our wholehearted support for the Burslem members because we have total conviction that they have suffered a major injustice."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "All cases are handled throughout in accordance with our conduct procedures, which are agreed with the CWU."