Further postal strikes at Bedminster depot planned by Bristol union
POSTAL workers at a South Bristol delivery office are planning further strikes in a dispute about their workloads and claims of bullying.
Workers at the Mead Street depot in Bedminster held two 24-hour strikes in December because they claimed they were being asked to do more work with fewer people.
There are also continuing claims that workers are being "bullied and harassed" by managers.
A series of talks between the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail have so far proven unsuccessful.
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Conciliation service Acas is involved in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
A meeting was held at the depot today, at which workers agreed to request a "further series and variety" of strikes.
CWU Bristol area official David Wilshire said it meant workers had agreed to request strikes that may last longer than a day.
But nothing will happen for at least seven days as this notice period must be given to Royal Mail before a strike can happen.
Mr Wilshire said:"The CWU and Acas have offered Royal Mail the chance of further talks next week although a positive response has yet to be received.
"The strike dates we have requested will allow Royal Mail a fair but finite period of time to resolve the dispute.
"If this is not the case, or should sufficient progress not be made, then there will undoubtedly be further strikes in the not too distant future."
Around 100 people work at the unit and deliver mail to the BS4 and BS14 postcode areas of Bristol.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Royal Mail regrets the announcement by the Communications Workers Union that it intends to pursue further dates for industrial action at Bristol South East delivery office, despite an agreement to meet again under the auspices of the conciliation service Acas.
"It is obviously better for everyone involved if talks can continue without the threat of industrial action."
Comments
by macadam212
Wednesday, January 09 2013, 1:31AM
“So that's why i didn't get any post today.”
by Shas_J
Wednesday, January 09 2013, 12:30AM
“1. Watch the high volume of red arrows against comments opposed to the strikes ...
2. Hope its raining or freezing cold on the day they strike. I expect to see each and every striker stood on the picket line they were doing their shift for. Can't see them doing any overtime those days ...
3. I wonder how many red arrows I will receive from the Union member cookie monster ... !?”
by Buck_Jones
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 11:44PM
“I live in BS14 and didn't notice any difference when the strike was on. The post time can vary so much and can arrive up to 4pm. There does not appear to be a routine time.
Its not all bad. I had a parcel delivered yesterday whilst I was washing my car and the postman offered to put the parcel by my door.
Don't necessarity blame the postmen. (Just in case you are wondering. NO I have never been a postman.)”
by bokbok
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 9:54PM
“Lazy good for nothing so & so's. It really is a shame that they can't sack the strikers and give their jobs to hard working folk who are prepared to do a days graft.”