DERRY City and Strabane District councillors say a meeting with Royal Mail representatives needs to take place “sooner rather than later”, due to alleged overtime bans.
At a committee meeting in November, People Before Profit councillor, Shaun Harkin, expressed concern that Royal Mail were prioritising the delivery of parcels over mail in the lead up to Christmas, which could negatively impact those waiting for medical appointment letters, and proposed that council meet with Royal Mail management to discuss members’ concerns.
At this month’s Business Committee meeting last Tuesday, independent councillor, Raymond Barr, claimed a ban on overtime was in effect at the Strabane Sorting Office, leading to a further deterioration in services.
“Posties are being told to bring undelivered mail back once they reach their cut-off point and to leave mail behind in the sorting frames,” councillor Barr said.
“I have seen photographs of frames full of mail after postmen and postwomen have gone out on delivery.”
He added: “Councillor Harkin proposed a meeting with Royal Mail management when we last discussed this issue, and this meeting needs to take place now sooner or later.”
DUP Alderman Julie Middleton said she had heard from constituents who were only now receiving Christmas cards, while SDLP councillor Rory Farrell said a member of his household received a late hospital appointment letter due to the “unacceptable” postal service in Derry.
Councillor Harkin proposed that council also meet with members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) as they “share the same frustrations” as members and the public.
Sinn Féin's Alex Duffy chaired Tuesday’s meeting and said he and other members had been “totally inundated” by constituents around issues with Royal Mail.
He requested that officers follow up with representatives in regards to a meeting.