Royal Mail management hit by 60 complaints as strikes continue

The Communication Workers Union which represents Royal Mail members has said that there has been around 60 complaints about management amid strikes.

Postmen and women at West Park delivery office walked out for the second day in a row this morning, Thursday July 25, due to bullying and harassment claims.

Ralph Ferrett, CWU Branch Secretary, Plymouth and East Cornwall, said that there has not yet been an agreement between Royal Mail and members of the union.

Mr Ferrett said that the postal workers are “deeply sorry” for the disruption unofficial industrial action has caused to post.

Royal Mail has not responded to the bullying and harassment claims at the West Park delivery office, but have confirmed there is an ongoing investigation at the Ivybridge delivery office.

Mr Ferett said: “Unfortunately no agreement was possible for the CWU members at West Park Delivery office to return to work today.

“Despite nearly 50 individual grievances being submitted, and more than 10 official complaints about Bullying and Harassment, Royal Mail have decided to ignore their standard procedures and insist that members of staff work alongside a manager accused of bullying or harassing them whilst any investigation is ongoing.

“This is against all precedent and agreements and is an intolerable condition for any workers anywhere.

“The CWU is disappointed that Royal Mail seem to have as a priority defending an alleged bully and harasser over honouring agreements, reaching a resolution and getting out members back to work.

“The Members at West Park are deeply sorry to the public for inconvenience caused, but we hope the public will understand that we cannot, and should not, be expected to work along side someone accused of bullying us.

“The CWU remains determined to reach an agreement that will allow West Park to get back to work and we call on Royal Mail to negotiate in good faith and get this resolved.”

The strikes have affected 29 different areas across Plymouth.

The following areas are affected; Ernesettle, St Budeaux, Tamerton Foliot, Manadon, Crownhill, Whitleigh, Honicknowle, Barne Barton, West Park, Weston Mill, King’s Tamerton, Riverside, Southway, Estover, Derriford, Eggbuckland Widewell, Hartley Vale, Glenholt, Leigham, Bickleigh Down, Longbridge, Mainstone, Roborough, Bickleigh, Marsh Mills, Woolwell, Lopwell and Bickham.

Yesterday, a Royal Mail spokesperson: “We’re disappointed that staff at West Park Delivery Office (covering the PL5 and PL6 postcode areas) have taken unofficial industrial action today [Wednesday].

“We apologise to customers in the area for any disruption to their services and we are doing all we can to minimise this. The customer service point at the delivery office is open as usual for customers to collect mail for which we have left a ‘something for you’ card.”