Portsmouth Royal Mail campaign continues

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OPPONENTS to plans to privatise Royal Mail have vowed to continue their campaign.

The Communication Workers Union’s (CWU) Portsmouth branch spoke out after the government gave formal notice to the stock exchange that it plans to privatise the firm.

Ruth Harris, Portsmouth branch secretary, said: ‘We don’t believe it is in the best interests of the public. Small businesses will be affected and rural communities as well. There are also grave concerns about the terms and conditions for our members.

‘The fear is that it is unknown what the future is going to hold. Staff have very low morale – with the economic climate as it is there isn’t a lot of work in the Portsmouth area.

‘These are very worrying times but my understanding is that people will keep campaigning against this privatisation.’

It comes after Royal Mail last month confirmed it is planning to shut the processing part of its business at Slindon Street in Portsmouth, putting up to 380 jobs at risk.

The CWU is now balloting members on strike action. The first strike could be held on October 10.