ROYAL Mail workers protested outside the delivery office in Basingstoke on Wednesday, November 30, as part of a nationwide strike by a workers’ union.
Members of Communication Workers Union (CWU) were picketing in an attempt to resolve a dispute over national agreements and protections.
This is the first of seven strikes planned by the CWU union.
The workers will strike again on Thursday, December 1, and continue their protests on December 9, 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24, which is expected to affect Royal Mail services in Basingstoke during the festive season.
Phil Gordon, a representative of CWU union in Basingstoke, said the workers are protesting to protect their jobs.
He said: “They have announced 10,000 redundancies across the country. And it’s going to be a lot more than 10,000. Currently, they are employing 11,000 to 15,000 casual workers across the country. It’s not A good look when they make people redundant and employ casual staff who have got no employment rights. Members of CWU are standing solid and strong.”
Phil, who is a postman, said the union has got huge support from the members of the public.
“We have seen people bringing in food and hot drinks to us to support our strike. They know that we are striking for them too. I would like to thank all the people who are supporting us in our efforts,” he continued.
Previously, Royal Mail workers have walked out a number of times in recent months, including August and September.
According to a CWU spokesperson, this is "not a dispute about postal workers not wanting any change, but about the change being sensible and negotiated, while protecting the great British public service for the future, as well as their terms, conditions and work-life balance".