OBE for Post Office executive Kevin Gilliland branded 'a disgrace'

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/obe-for ... 4129448860" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A row has broken out over a New Year Honour given to a Post Office executive while the organisation is involved in an industrial dispute over jobs, pensions and branch closures.

A row has broken out over a New Year Honour given to a Post Office executive while the organisation is involved in an industrial dispute over jobs, pensions and branch closures.

Kevin Gilliland, chief executive of the retail business, was awarded an OBE.

He started as a counter clerk almost 38 years ago and has worked for the Post Office ever since.

The Communication Workers Union launched an online poll which attracted almost 3,000 votes, with 96% saying the honour was a "disgrace".

Union members have staged strikes in recent weeks over job cuts, the closure of a final salary pension scheme and the franchising of Crown Post Offices.

General secretary Dave Ward said in a message to the Government: "Post Office director getting new year honour whilst destroying jobs, pensions and closing post offices sums up why we need fundamental political change in this country. The only reward they deserve is the sacking."

[mondeo1]

does this news surprise anyone on here?