Bridgwater postal workers in latest strike actionPOSTAL workers in Bridgwater at war with Royal Mail over working conditions went on strike again today and refused to rule out further action at Christmas.
About 60 workers at the Friarn Street delivery office fronted a picket line and cancelled all mail deliveries in the fourth strike in the town in two months.
Joe Gray, a worker at the Bridgwater office and organiser of the strike action, said Royal Mail has failed to keep an agreement to bring in modernisation and pay increases.
Joe added: “We feel we are being ignored and I have lost a week's pay because of the strike action.
“This is a last resort but we believe we are protecting a public service and people in Bridgwater are generally supportive of us.”
Dave Wilshire, leader of the Bristol and District branch of the Communication Workers Union, told the Mercury mail deliveries could be cancelled over the festive period.
He said: “We hope we can reach an agreement with Royal Mail but it is difficult to rule out strike action at Christmas until we see it happen.”
Royal Mail condemned the action and said a series of major efficiency changes are being implemented this week.
The changes include more flexible working hours and new sorting equipment and Royal Mail insists it is on track to complete its modernisation plans.
Mark Higson, Royal Mail's managing director, said: “As always, the company will be focusing on delivering excellent customer service over the vitally important run-up to Christmas when letter numbers reach their seasonal peak.
“Royal Mail calls on the CWU to abandon its unjustified strikes and to help the business deliver the service our customers deserve.”