24 hour strike could cancel Gwynedd mail deliveries

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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99% of union members at Caernarfon sorting office to stage walkout over Post Office privatisation

Mail deliveries in Gwynedd on November 4 look likely to be cancelled as Post Office staff prepare for a twenty four hour strike.

Communication Workers Union (CWU) officials who represent around two-thirds of the workforce and Royal Mail executives are meeting this week in London to try and find a compromise over staff concerns that have been raised following the Westminster Government’s privatisation of the service.

Just over a week ago, Royal Mail was floated on the London Stock Exchange, with many more people applying for shares than were available.

Staff at the sorting office in Caernarfon are according to CWU officials, 99% in favour of the imminent strike action.

North Wales union representative, John Green, said: “Strike action on November 4 is still very much on the agenda although there are meetings going ahead between ourselves and Royal Mail, today (Thursday) and Friday and possibly on into next week to try and find a solution.

“I’ve spoken to members of the branch in Caernarfon and they are solidly behind the action.”

Mr Green explained: “Our issues are to do with future staff conditions and job security as well as wanting to maintain a universal daily service.

“We fear that some rural areas might lose out and that deliveries to these areas are reduced.

“There’s not much we can do about the privatisation, that was a decision made by politicians rather than our employers.

“But all theses issues come about as the consequences of the privatisation.”

Hywel Williams MP, is supporting Royal Mail employees in his constituency.

He and his fellow Plaid Cymru MP’s Elfyn Llwyd and Jonathan Edwards have signed Early Day Motion 531 calling on the Government to review its decision and reassure the public that a fully functioning postal service will remain in place.

Mr Williams MP visited Caernarfon sorting office on Monday to meet staff.

He said: “This is another example of the Government failing to listen to the real concerns of those who work on the frontline of our public services. Postal workers, such as those based at Caernarfon and particularly those in rural areas, are rightly angry that their voices are being ignored whilst profit is being put first.

“No one likes to go out on strike, but this is how bad things have got. We cannot allow the Government to steamroll changes through whilst ignoring the workers and the people who depend on the postal service.

“Will this lead to a further break-up of the Royal Mail? What is the future for offices in Bangor and Caernarfon? Doesn’t the Government realise that the people of Arfon are extremely worried.”

A spokesman for Royal Mail, said: “We are very disappointed that CWU members have voted in favour of taking industrial action in the ballot and that a strike day has been announced by the union.

“Any action, or the threat of disruption, is damaging to our business, especially in the run up to Christmas, our busiest time.

“An Ipsos MORI poll commissioned by Royal Mail found that there is little public support for a strike. 72% of the British public say that the CWU should accept the pay offer from Royal Mail and call off the plans to strike.

“The three year pay offer and ground breaking deal on protections on offer from Royal Mail addresses points raised by CWU. Talks to reach agreement are continuing to further address these points.

“We will do all that we can to protect our business and minimise the impact of any industrial action on our customers’ mail.”

[arnold cheshire]

this is good news only a strike in gwynedd the rest of the uk can get on earning a living

[islfor]

Well done to the posties at Caernarfon, area rep John Green & local MP Elwyn Williams for highlighting the issues in the paper.