Contract postmen strike in Limassol

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/cyprus/contr ... l/20120114" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

CONTRACT POSTMEN went on a wildcat 24-hour strike in Limassol yesterday keeping hundreds of letters and packages from reaching their destination.

The Limassol postmen, who are not permanent public employees but work on a contract, refused to distribute the mail after the Postal Service informed them it would reduce their annual wage by ten per cent as part of the government’s austerity measures passed late last year for entry-level salaries.

Some of the postmen have been working for four or five years but due to the non-permanent nature of their contract, were all designated “new recruits” when their annual contract was signed at the beginning of the year.

The postmen were believed to be receiving €10,800 a year before the cut. The strikers said they signed the contract but retained the right to claim their wages based on their previous contract.

According to the state broadcaster, the cost-cutting measures affect 45 contract postmen, 16 in Limassol, 26 in Nicosia, three in Paphos and one in Larnaca.

Twelve postal routes were affected by yesterday’s strike. The intended recipients of the undelivered mail are expected to receive them on Monday.

On the same day, workers’ representatives will meet with the Postal Service management to discuss the matter.