Postal strikes to go ahead in Bridgwater

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/n ... s/10550151._/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

POSTAL workers in Bridgwater locked in dispute with their Royal Mail bosses will be on strike for three days this week.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are in dispute with managers over working agreements and staffing levels.

Around 120 workers at the Royal Mail depot in Friarn Street picketed during strike action on June 29 and July 6, which affected the TA5, TA6 and TA7 postcodes.

However, a third strike planned for Saturday, July 13, was cancelled ahead of a meeting in London yesterday (July 15) between postal workers and Royal Mail bosses, with the hope of coming to an agreement.

But after the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, an agreement was not reached and as a result there will be further strikes on Thursday (July 18), Friday and Saturday.

Area official for the CWU, David Wilshire, told the Mercury: “The same post codes will be affected by this week’s strike as before.

“We are hoping, by showing how many people are standing together on this, that Royal Mail will see some sense. The strikes are unavoidable.

“We will be sending Royal Mail a written proposal, but the chances of them agreeing to it are slim.”

The CWU says some of its members believe they are owed £800 each for changes already made in the workplace.


Rhys Jones, Royal Mail spokesman, said: “Royal Mail remains fully committed to the process of trying to resolve concerns of postal workers based in Bridgwater by continuing to follow the national jointly agreed framework with the Communication Workers Union.

“We will continue to engage with the CWU to find a way forward.”

The latest developments have come after Business Secretary Vince Cable revealed plans to float the Royal Mail on the London Stock Exchange later this year.

The public will be able to buy shares in Royal Mail, as well as around 150,000 postal workers, who are entitled to 10% of all shares.

[Pinky 1]

Rhys Jones, Royal Mail spokesman, said: “Royal Mail remains fully committed to the process of trying to resolve concerns of postal workers based in Bridgwater by continuing to follow the national jointly agreed framework with the Communication Workers Union.

Blah Blah Blah ........ If Royal Mail are "continuing to follow the national jointly agreed framework ", why do the members at Bridgwater feel that they have to strike to make their point ?
Nobody strikes on a whim nowadays, so someone's not listening to them

[Red Robbo]

3 days ouch !!!

[daveyeff]

''royal mail remains fully committed'',,,,,,where have i heard that before??

[TrueBlueTerrier]

''royal mail remains fully committed'',,,,,,

[UnhappyGremlin]

I admire the commitment of all involved.
They obviously see the issue(s) as very serious, and are prepared to fight for a resolution.

It would appear RM don't, and are just trying to ignore them/force them back to work.

[BigBadBarry]

Well done!

[worktotime]

good on yer

[trythat]

Got to admire them, our branch has just contributed to their hardship fund. Wish my members were as strong as them.

[fishtank]

Now...the last time they went out which was almost a year ago they only went back because they were promised this....


http://bridgwatertuc.blogspot.co.uk/201 ... ctory.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2. National talks would begin covering all major industrial relations problems at Bridgwater Delivery Office, including CWU concerns of heavy-handed management, breaking agreements with the CWU, un-agreed cuts in hours, and hospital appointments.

So....What exactly is going on in Bridgewater and why can't the intervention of senior people from both sides stop it?

[whatamess!!]

What is the best way of dealing with managers who intend to travel tomorrow to break the picket line, possibly 1 from my office . Thinking of doing a collection for bridgewater tomorrow, but with little info coming out to CWU memebers, most of the office don't know what is going on . Any ideas??