Postal workers' union backs Blackburn delivery boycott

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Postal workers' union backs Blackburn delivery boycott after dog bite

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/ne ... ?ref=var_0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

POSTAL Workers’ Union the CWU has backed Royal Mail’s decision to suspend deliveries on a Blackburn street.

Services were halted in Worcester Road, Whitebirk after a postman was bitten on the arm by a dog.

Deliveries were stopped because there was deemed to be an ‘unacceptable level of risk’ to postal workers posed by the animal.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw backed Royal Mail’s decision.

He said: “This is obviously aggravating to the residents but postmen and women face real danger everyday and until they can be sure the area is safe I support them taking this action.”

Carl Webb, regional secretary of the CWU said he ‘agreed completely’ with Mr Straw.

He said: “I endore what Jack Straw said one hundred per cent.

“I endorse the actions taken by Royal Mail. Royal Mail are doing it to support the safety of our members, and we definitely support them.

“Dog bites on our members have been a matter of concern for us for a long time.

“It’s unfortunate on other residents, but I’m sure they would want their postie, who delivers mail to them in all kinds of weather, to be kept safe.

“We would hope a solution can be found, so that deliveries can get back on again as soon as possible.”

But opinion was divided on the Lancashire Telegraph website as to whether the action was appropriate.

One poster said: “Well done Royal Mail who have suspended all mail on this street until their postmen and women are safe to walk this street again.”

But others disagreed, believing Royal Mail had gone too far.

One said: “I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time a postman has been bitten by a dog in this country, so why all the fuss now?

“I wonder how long it will be before the Royal mail decides to ban any deliveries where there is a dog on the street?”

[UnhappyGremlin]

One said: “I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time a postman has been bitten by a dog in this country, so why all the fuss now?

Because in these modern times of H&S, and compensation culture, not to mention RM's duty of care to its staff (which, if they failed to uphold by NOT cancelling deliveries, it could result in a much bigger pay out), etc.

“I wonder how long it will be before the Royal mail decides to ban any deliveries where there is a dog on the street?”

If they did this (never happen - wins the award for most stupid and moronic statement 2014), we'd never deliver anywhere.
The chance of there being one street in the country without a dog is zero.

[steven100]

Can we not carry a gun like in America (unofficially carrying a gun) for protection against dogs. I suppose on the delivery there could a trail of dead dogs.