Wildcat strike:Macclesfield.

[NEWS]

Macclesfield Express

MAIL mayhem struck thousands of residents last week as Macclesfield postal workers walked out in protest against the suspension of a ‘postie’ suffering with chronic renal failure.

The unofficial strike – the first in 20 years – left houses in the SK10 and SK11 areas without their post, and the backlog was still being shifted this morning (Wednesday).

Royal Mail was forced to freeze mail at the Jordangate sorting office after the suspension of Simon Heathcote, 36, of Wilwick Lane, Weston, sparked anger in 70 colleagues who rallied round and walked out.


Simon, who lives with his wife, Victoria, also 36, and two-year-old daughter Emily-Rose – and who spends eight hours a night on a life-saving dialysis machine – was sent home with pay on Friday (April, 27) after he failed to complete his round.

Bosses suspended him for up to six weeks for investigation just two days after he found out he was on a kidney transplant list. But he was reinstated the day after strike action.

Simon, whose wife, Victoria, is a David Lewis Centre senior care officer, said: "I’m just so relieved it’s all over. It was annoying that the lads had lost a day’s pay and Macclesfield had lost a day’s mail – all needlessly."

A postman for three years, Simon said he was sent out for failing to complete his round which he delivers in a van, but claims he followed the correct procedures to let them know in advance that he would not be able to do overtime.

He added: "I would like to thank my colleagues for such an amazing show of support, it is so brilliant to know people would do that."

He said the job was vital to help support his family.

Simon – who has a catheter permanently attached to his abdomen – was sent home just two days after receiving the good news he was on the list for a life-saving kidney transplant.

The keen Macclesfield Town fan, who has a dialysis machine set up in his home, said: "I felt so relieved and hopeful when I got the letter from the hospital.

"I had warned them I didn’t think I’d be able to complete my round on the Thursday. The next day I came into work and at 6am I was called into the office and suspended."

Postal workers trooped out at 6am and stood on Jordangate for two hours before going home.

Royal Mail agreed to negotiate with Simon on the condition his colleagues returned to work on Saturday.

The Communication Workers Union – who have said the situation could have been handled better by Royal Mail – then negotiated Simon’s return.

Just one day after the unofficial strike, Simon – who is on a pre-booked week-long holiday to spend time with wife Victoria, 36 and daughter– was reinstated.

Communication Workers Union area delivery representative, Chris Macindeor, said: "The important thing now is that this has ended satisfactorily for us and, more importantly Simon is back at work, as is everyone else.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "The investigation into this matter is still ongoing. We cannot discuss an individual personnel issue."

He said there was was a backlog, but the situation should be resolved by today (Wednesday).

On the day of the unofficial strike, one fellow postman said: "We just feel we have to stand by Simon and we will not be going back to work today."

The keen Macclesfield Town supporter has been on light duties, delivering from a van, for a year after being diagnosed and treated for chronic double kidney failure at Manchester Royal Infirmary. He hopes to have the transplant within two years.

He said: "I am quite weak and I do work as hard as I can but I get tired quite easily.

"I love the job and it’s something I am able to do. I want to keep working as much as I can, I am the main earner and it’s vital for my family."

[Big Daz]

The true face of our caring employer shows itself again!

[johnnyp]

Well done lads it just shows that sticking together and looking after each other will always get the right result

[KawasakiKid]

Well done lads it just shows that sticking together and looking after each other will always get the right result

Why should they have to stick together to deliver the just outcome of a situation where the morality is obvious? What a f***ing liberty-------------------VOTE KAWASAKI

[johnnyp]

Royal Mail managers dont have morals up in Macclesfield The way that colleague has been treated is an absolute disgrace, shame on Royal mail Macclesfield

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Quote "On the day of the unofficial strike, one fellow postman said: "We just feel we have to stand by Simon and we will not be going back to work today."

[cjp]

WELL DONE LADS!
Stand up for each other and you've got a chance! stand alone and you've got non!