Postal workers' union plans "direct action" against Plymouth

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Postal workers' union plans "direct action" against Plymouth MPs

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Postal- ... z2gC57Fo7A" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A WAR of words has erupted between a postal workers' union and two city MPs over the proposed privatisation of Royal Mail.

Officials from the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have accused Conservatives Oliver Colvile and Gary Streeter of "playing an active role in an attempt to kill off a great British institution", claiming the pair have refused to openly debate the issue.

But the MPs say the union is "stuck in the past and "simply playing politics".

A national strike ballot opened yesterday , and hundreds of CWU members are expected to gather at a meeting at Home Park tomorrow to "send a clear message" to the MPs.

CWU branch secretary Ralph Ferrett said: "Gary Streeter and Oliver Colvile have no mandate from the people of Plymouth to move ahead with this policy and they refuse to listen to the 2,000 Royal Mail employees in the area."

CWU divisional representative Chris Webb said: "The people of Plymouth need to know that their MPs put voters' views a distant second behind their own party's undemocratic proposals. Privatisation will have a devastating effect on the service we provide to businesses. Oliver Colvile and Gary Streeter are playing an active role in an attempt to kill off a great British institution."

The CWU says it is planning "direct action" in cluding pickets against the MPs, who have both previously expressed their support for the Government's privatisation plan.

Last night Mr Streeter told The Herald: "The CWU are simply playing politics. I have discussed the sell-off with local postmen and they seem very relaxed. I am always happy to meet constituents at any time but so far none have approached me. I have no intention of dancing to the tune of a trade union stuck in the past."

Mr Colvile said: "To the best of my knowledge I have not received any letters or e-mails asking for a public meeting on a specific date.
"When I met with Chris Webb in the summer I agreed to write to the Minister about protecting the universal service and the final mile delivery. The ministerial reply – which was sent to Chris Webb – said that any reduction to the universal service and final mile delivery would need a specific act of Parliament. Parliament has passed the legislation and the Government is now implementing this Act."
A spokesman for Royal Mail said it would not comment on the dispute between the CWU and MPs.