Royal Mail strike threat across Scotland over sacked postman

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 23 Feb 2016, 12:27

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The threat of Royal Mail strike action across Scotland is growing after management refused to reinstate a sacked postal worker despite being ordered to do so by an employment tribunal judge.

Workers are to be balloted for action which could start next month affecting Edinburgh, the Lothians, central Scotland, Fife and the Borders.

Dave Mitchell, 57, from Cupar in Fife, who had 27 years service was sacked in 2014 after test items allegedly went missing. No evidence was found despite Mr Mitchell, his home, car and van being searched by the Royal Mail investigation bureau.

The company refused to reinstate Mr Mitchell despite a ruling from an employment tribunal and he was awarded a cash settlement of £56,000.

However, Mr Mitchell, who was backed by colleagues in Cupar who took strike action last year, his local community which held “silent” protests outside the delivery office, and who also has the backing of SNP MP Stephen Gethins, has maintained his innocence and said he wants his job back.

Following a meeting of Communication Workers Union (CWU) reps in Edinburgh on Sunday at which there was unanimous support for Mr Mitchell, Kenny Logan,  CWU Scotland branch secretary, contacted union headquarters to begin the ballot process.

Mr Mitchell said: “All the guys supporting me is overwhelming. They know how important this is to me. They know the same thing could happen to anyone and it could be them tomorrow. I would gladly give the money back, all I want is to return to work.”

Mr Logan said: “There is a strong likelihood of an all-out strike. The attitude Royal Mail has taken is despicable. I would like them to re-look at their position. For a blue chip company they are not handling industrial relations very well.

Ray Ellis, CWU national assistant secretary, said: “Disregarding the judge’s decision is highly unusual and of concern to members UK-wide.”

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: “Royal Mail has not received any formal notification of a ballot for strike action from the CWU.

“We are still hopeful of finding a resolution with our union and our people on this local issue, to ensure that customers do not face disruption.

“Our customers expect Royal Mail to do everything in its power to protect the mail we are entrusted to deliver.”

daveyeff · Post by **daveyeff** » 23 Feb 2016, 14:20

its disturbing this one isn't it. why are they digging their heels in on this decision? is there more to this than meets the eye? or are they just totally embarrassed that they've made one almighty cock-up and don't want to admit their managers and the I.B. got it so sadly wrong. I hope Dave Mitchell gets the justice RM seem hell bent on denying him.

Surreypostie · Post by **Surreypostie** » 23 Feb 2016, 14:40

If this is a major cock up then the action should go national. None of us know the full story or have access to all the information, but if two judges say they are wrong then that is good enough for me.

daveyeff · Post by **daveyeff** » 23 Feb 2016, 15:01

and me. but not RM. what are they hiding.

Justiceseeker · Post by **Justiceseeker** » 24 Feb 2016, 11:58

Surreypostie wrote:If this is a major cock up then the action should go national. None of us know the full story or have access to all the information, but if two judges say they are wrong then that is good enough for me.

The judges reports are public documents so are available to anyone who wants to read them. You will find the whole story there. Dave is working closely with the CWU and is more than happy to answer any questions anyone has. He was at the AGM on Sunday, when he spoke to a lot of the Scottish reps. What the individual DOs need to do is use your CWU reps to get info from CWU on this. Work together to push the CWU to communicate on this to all DOs. They may be working in stages with an aim for national in long run. Let's hope anyway. Keep the word moving around the CWU reps and posties about this situation.

Tman · Post by **Tman** » 24 Feb 2016, 14:25

How times change. There was a strike years ago at Longbridge over who's job it was to close the car doors on the assembly line, now some poor sod gets treated abominably by his employer and the CWU do nothing more than suggest that members ask their reps about the details if they want to know more.
No wonder so many of you posties feel you just get pushed around by RM.....the CWU does nothing at such a blatant violation of that guy's rights and you all seem to go along with it.
That's solidarity in RM in 2016...

jetblack · Post by **jetblack** » 26 Feb 2016, 18:59

The ballot should not only cover all the regions of Scotland, it should be UK wide. We could bring this farce to an end very quickly - and put right the wrong. Going to contact my rep about this. If we, the union, can't stand up for individual posties in a ridiculous situation like this, then we have no union (other than in appearance).

Broxi51 · Post by **Broxi51** » 27 Feb 2016, 22:58

Even if they were to give Mr Mitchell his job back, it is too late.
There is something wrong with the POID system that allows an innocent man to be sacked
and for RM to uphold this. It is no longer just about a mans fight to get his job back but it is now
a fight to make sure that the POID system wont do this again.
It has to be a UK wide ballot and a UK wide strike.