'We are prepared to do whatever it takes to get our colleague his job back'
Royal Mail deliveries could be hit by strikes in the lead up to Christmas after the alleged unfair dismissal of a postman.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) gathered outside the Bristol Mead Street Office on October 29 to unanimously request a strike ballot. Every employee who was in the office at the time walked out and were joined by a number of workers who arrived early for their shift, in solidarity with their colleague.
The details of the employee’s dismissal have not been fully disclosed, however, the union has stated after six years of service he was sacked abruptly and without due process as per both the company’s protocol and its agreement with the union.
'An amazing show of support'
One worker at the office, who requested to remain anonymous, reported that more than 90 out of 110 total employees voted unanimously for a strike ballot to be sent to members.
He said: “There was an amazing show of support this morning - we can’t believe what has happened and I think everyone has been shocked by how management has acted.
“Almost everyone was out in solidarity. If the strike went ahead it would involve every level of employee at the office, from customer service to the posties themselves. Even the cleaner attended the meeting this morning.
“It would have an enormous knock-on effect on deliveries as we approach Christmas, which is our busiest time of the year. It’s not a position we want to put customers in, but we are prepared to do whatever it takes to get our colleague his job back.
“He is in his sixties and has managed to do a brilliant job despite some serious health problems - nobody needs this in the run up to Christmas. We are all appalled by the news and will take whatever action necessary.”
The Mead Street unit serves as Royal Mail’s South East Delivery Office for BS4 and BS14 postcodes, which means areas including Brislington, Totterdown, Knowle, and Whitchurch could be affected by potential disruption.
What the union has said
Rob Wotherspoon, Bristol CWU’s branch secretary said: “We believe Royal Mail’s charges are without substance, and the company has not followed its own procedures or its agreement with the union in this case.
“Workers based at the Mead Street office requested a strike ballot unanimously in an amazing show of solidarity with their colleague, and have clearly demonstrated their outrage with senior management regarding this unfair dismissal.
“If our members respond to the ballot in favour of strike action then we could well see disruption to the service within a matter of weeks.”
A spokesperson for Royal Mail confirmed it was aware of this morning’s meeting, and stated all employees returned to work and all mail deliveries would be made today as normal.
, I think its now time for cwu hq to get up and sort this company out NATIONALLY , b&h , culture , fair and manageable workload , just look at the offices since this new agreement that have walked out and still these dims still have jobs 
, lets get it sorted Terry 
.