HUNDREDS of Royal Mail postal workers in Luton and Leagrave will take to the picket line today in a dispute over the way staff are treated.
There are 250 workers from delivery offices in the two areas that have walked out for 24 hours today over issues including suspensions and workload.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has 'asked management to engage in meaningful talks' to resolve the dispute.
But after negotiations with Royal Mail failed, the union balloted its members and more than 90 per cent voted in favour of a strike.
The strike began at midnight and the following postcode areas are affected; LU1, LU2, LU3 and LU4.
Neal Kidwell, branch secretary for CWU's Eastern No 6 branch, said disruption would be caused to the public.
"Postal workers in Luton are at breaking point," he added.
"There have been at least six serious cases at the delivery office in recent weeks, including staff being suspended, and things can't go on. Postal workers are in fear of their jobs and many are routinely doing unpaid overtime to cope with unmanageable workloads because they fear management will not listen to their concerns.
"The union has serious concerns that Royal Mail has misapplied the company's own agreed Conduct Code in the way that is dealing with employees.
"We realise that strike action will cause disruption to the public, however the CWU believe we have made every reasonable attempt to avoid industrial action through negotiations with the business without success. We will consider further strike action if genuine talks are not offered by management."
A Royal Mail spokesman added: "Royal Mail is disappointed at the industrial action taking place today at its Luton and Leagrave delivery offices, which cover the LU1-4 postcode areas.
"We have robust contingency measures in place and will make every effort to deliver as much mail as possible to our customers. We also expect the enquiry office to be open as usual for customers to collect any mail for which we have left a "Something for You" card.
"We apologise to customers for any disruption to their mail services. Royal Mail is fully committed to resolving our colleagues' concerns in co-operation with the Communication Workers Union (CWU)."