POSTAL SNOW STORIES THURSDAY 5 FEB 09

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Snow stops Bristol postal deliveries

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Postmen across Bristol are refusing to carry out deliveries because of the bad weather.

Delivery offices in Montpelier, Bedminster and Patchway are all understood to be affected.

The Communication Workers Unions says it's been "inundated" by calls from many of its 1,600 members in the Bristol area who are concerned about the weather conditions and won't go out on their rounds.

One postman, who works at Patchway but did not want to be named, said: "We're being told it's safe to go out and do deliveries but we're not being given the proper safety equipment.

"You just have to look outside to see people falling over and they're not carrying 15 kilos."

The CWU also claims that Royal Mail management in Bristol is telling workers that refusing to go out would be considered as unofficial industrial action.

One worker told the Bristol Post: "We don't normally have weather like this, but they are completely unprepared.

"In London on Tuesday all deliveries were cancelled, safety was thought to be more important but why is Bristol any different to London?

"I think common sense should prevail. A couple of people have gone out but I'm not.

"A lot of people are refusing to go out, it's just a stupid decision."

Deliveries in the Bristol area normally take place between 6am and 2pm.

David Wilshire, branch secretary of the Bristol and district branch of the communication workers union, said: "Because of the weather conditions, we've been inundated with phone calls.

"People shouldn't go out if the feel as individuals they're putting their safety at risk."

A Royal Mail spokesman denied union claims that staff were being forced to go out if it was not safe.

He said: "We are adopting a safety first approach to deliveries and we are not forcing anyone to undertake their duties if it is not safe to do so.

"For example the despatch of mail from the Bristol Mail Centre to our network of delivery offices was delayed this morning until road conditions had improved.

"Royal Mail collection and deliveries have been subject to disruption as a result of the adverse weather conditions and we apologise to customers for any inconvenience.

"We continue to do everything possible to keep the mail moving and our people safe and deliveries are taking place where possible.

"If there are any concerns then union health and safety representatives are available to speak to management."

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Post disruptions due to snow

http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/conte ... 3A19%3A957" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

MAIL deliveries in North Somerset have been disrupted because of snow - but managers are urging posties to carry on in the slippery conditions.

Some postal workers in Weston, Worle, Clevedon and Portishead and villages in the district have said they don't want to work because the conditions are too dangerous.

But some managers in Bristol are thought to have told workers to still head out in the cold. Anyone who doesn't will be considered to be taking an unofficial strike.

Communication Workers Union area spokesman Mike Newport said: "Managers have been intimidating members.

"They've been told if they stop deliveries it could be classed as unofficial industrial action.

"I've been contacted by about 30 people this morning (Thurs) seeking advice.

"If our members feel it is unsafe to go out then they should not deliver.

"Imagine carrying a 16kg bag and trying to negotiate a slippery pavement at the same time.

"Royal Mail is going against its own bad weather policy and putting profit before safety."

It is thought if the snow and icy weather continues, more disruptions could be on the way.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Our collection and deliveries have been subject to disruption as a result of the adverse weather conditions and we apologise to customers for any inconvenience.

"We continue to do everything possible to keep the mail moving and our people safe. Deliveries are taking place where possible.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Posties banned from delivering letters over frozen pavements

http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/410 ... pavements/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Royal Mail is stopping posties from walking on snow-covered pavements which have not been gritted, in case they slip over.

Postmen are instead being put to work in depots processing letters and parcels.

Some Kingston residents have not received mail since Saturday, despite the gradual thawing of main roads and side streets in the past few days.

A Surbiton Hill Park resident, who declined to give his name for fear of recriminations, said: “We have had no post for four days now. Do they give us a refund on our postage?

"I am waiting for cheques and important things to do with work. I live on a bus route and it is a clear road."

Royal Mail is concerned that postal workers who sometimes carry as much as 11 to 16 kilo bags will slip over and injure themselves.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said in a statement: The vast majority of deliveries are being made. We have been doing everything possible to keep the mail moving during the bad weather.

"Where delivery has not been possible previously, our people have been processing the mail to help us ensure we deliver it as quickly as possible."

One postman on his rounds in Sutton said he and his colleagues had been told to us their discretion where their rounds included icy pavements.

[Broxi51]

Posties banned from delivering letters over frozen pavements

http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/410 ... pavements/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Some Kingston residents have not received mail since Saturday, despite the gradual thawing of main roads and side streets in the past few days.

A Surbiton Hill Park resident, who declined to give his name for fear of recriminations, said: “We have had no post for four days now. Do they give us a refund on our postage?

"I am waiting for cheques and important things to do with work. I live on a bus route and it is a clear road."

If it is so important why doesnt he call in at the DO and collect his mail. I am sure the manager wouldn't mind during the bad spell of weather.

[kay_thebigbird]

Most of our posties did'nt go out this morning in our DO the pavements & roads were awful, can't see it being much better tomorrow if this next batch of snow come's in tonight,I'm not breaking my neck for anybody, if you break a bone they will still issue a stage.

[baldrick]

Why are the instructions from managers so different from area to area?