Bridgewater MS postman Andrew Mootoo to be reinstated

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It's a victory for the Mercury and the post workers of Bridgwater, as Royal Mail have agreed a move towards reinstating a former postman after a walkout.

Around 80 delivery postmen and women were on strike from 1pm in Bridgwater on Wednesday November 11.

They walked out of Bridgwater Delivery Office without a ballot in protest to Royal Mail's refusal to reinstate worker, Andrew Mootoo.

Andrew is a postman who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and is also profoundly deaf.

He has been unable to work due to his condition diagnosis 18 months ago and allegedly, Andrew has been waiting so long for Royal Mail to support his return to work that his pay has been stopped and he has to rely on benefits.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) claim that Royal Mail then tried to sack him.

Now, since we ran the story, CWU rep, Dave Chapple, says that Royal Mail have offered Andrew a part-time indoor position.

Dave said: "The Bridgwater Royal Mail Delivery Office walkout to reinstate Andrew Mootoo on November 11th has received tremendous backing from the public.

"In particular, the strike has inspired disabled people and organisations all over the country.

"As a direct result of our strike, Royal Mail have now agreed a completely fresh attempt to work with the CWU and give Andrew a part-time indoor job in Bridgwater.

"I say attempt as we have not got reinstatement yet, but for the first time for a year, the employer is now taking us seriously.

"As a Bridgwater CWU shop steward, I am still humbled by over 100 postmen and women giving up a day's pay, and breaking the civil law against spontaneous strikes, to defend a profoundly deaf colleague stricken with MS, who has not worked in Friarn Streett since January 2014.

"That's real solidarity-but why, in this country's workplaces in 2015, does it not happen more often?"

Royal Mail declined to comment.