PO strike – support grows nationwide

Postal November 1 2016

While yesterday’s action in London included an old-style, horse-drawn coffin’ and a jazz band, there was a Halloween theme to the union’s protest in Liverpool, where the Grim Reaper of the North West’ and several witches’ gathered at the city’s Liverpool One Shopping Centre.

CWU North West regional secretary Carl Webb explained: “There used to be a Crown Office in the shopping centre, but it was franchised to WH Smith, so we went there first and made the union’s case to local people, getting a very positive response.”

Neil Barry, the union’s area rep for Post Office workers in Wales and North, said: “We went from Liverpool One and then marched through Liverpool to the Corn Exchange Crown Office, which was shut by the strike, along with all the other Crowns in the city.

Up in Scotland, CWU territorial rep Dave Bowmaker reported similarly strong backing for the union, saying that regular managers (members of the Unite union) had come out on strike alongside their staff.

“At the main Glasgow Crown office, they had notices outside saying: Limited service’ but also stating that counter services were not provided,” Dave explained, adding: “Customers were going in and then coming straight back out again – and then wishing us well.”

Dave said that, across his area of responsibility as a whole – Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North East – support for yesterday’s strike had been stronger than last month.

Across the South West and South Wales, the strike “held up well in Crown offices compared to the previous day of action” and CWU members’ “resolve is equally as strong as on Day One,” according to territorial rep Chris Roche.

“The feedback I’ve had is that the offices that were open were opened by managers and with a significantly reduced service,” he continued, adding that he was “extremely encouraged by the continued support.

“Members clearly understand what the issues are and the difficulties we face as a workforce. And we need to continue the fight until we get a fair deal.”

Area rep Cathy Chilcott said that the strike had been “really well supported, with some strong pickets,” and Bristol Branch secretary Rob Wotherspoon reported that the action was “solid in Crowns.”

London and the South East also saw stronger backing than last time, according to territorial rep Peter Meech.

“From all the reports I’ve had, and from what I’ve seen and heard myself, more of our members came out on strike across the area than on Day One,” he explained, but added that he had also been informed of increased pressure being put on Unite members by senior Post Office management, forcing some of them to staff strike-hit Crowns.

Mole Meade, area rep, said: “My view is that the strike is growing and support for it is growing as people become more aware of the issues involved.”

Peter Meech said that he wanted to “Thank our members for their support.

The fight goes on for our pensions, our Crown Offices, our Supply Chain and to get a secure future for jobs and for the network,” Peter added.

“We hope that the Post Office will sit down with the union and other stakeholders to hammer out a positive future.”

NEC member Ian Ward joined strikers on the picket line at the Post Office’s main administration centre in Chesterfield.

“The strike was well supported by staff, with many members taking action for the first time,” he said, adding: “Yesterday’s nationwide action showed Post Office management that there is more to the business than just the ivory towers’ at Finsbury Dials.”