Friday 29 June 2007

Post strike solid

Picket lines in Oxford and Aylesbury reported that the postal strike was solid in Bucks and Oxon.

Postal workers have become increasingly disillusioned over the pay offer of 2 per cent, which effectively amounts to a pay cut, as inflation stands at 4.5 per cent and continues to rise. But the decision to take industrial action is more than about pay. Royal Mail wants to close 2,500 post offices and cut 40,000 jobs. It plans the destruction of the Post Office network, particularly in rural areas, and further privatisation of services, including handing over offices to WH Smith.

Royal Mail management had also been intimidating staff in the run-up to the strike ballot and threatening active trade union leaders. Respect completely opposes the attempt to decimate the postal service and believes that postal workers should be paid a decent wage because they provide a vital service.

For reports from around the country including Oxford see here

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