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Around 70 postal workers protested outside a Nottingham delivery office on Tuesday (October 1).
The workers, who met outside Glaisdale Delivery Office, have vowed to fight for justice in response to the “unfair dismissal” of one of the workers.
As well as the national ballot taking place, members at the Nottingham unit are also voting on action to win back the job of postman Ian Green, who was sacked from his job in August after management accused him of being “aggressive” when he made a complaint about working conditions.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) Midlands sub-divisional representative Steve Blower said that Mr Green, who had worked at the company for 15 years with no disciplinary record had been “sacked for complaining to his line manager”.
Mr Blower said he complained about the poor state of the indoor parcel sorting area.
He said: “The delivery office manager charged him with a ‘gross misconduct’ offence, alleging that he had shown ‘aggressive behaviour’, but Ian did not threaten, he did not swear, and he did not refuse – neither did he commit theft or violence, or break any law.
“The suspicions of the members at Glaisdale are that he has been targeted and singled out by the management because he’s known to be someone who will challenge unfair and wrong actions by management.
“And at this morning’s gate meeting, the mood among the members here is that they are furious at the way Ian has been treated and they’re determined to win justice.”
Following the sacking, Mr Green’s colleagues asked their branch – Nottingham and District Amal – to seek authorisation for a strike ballot, which was granted by the union’s postal executive.
The union also submitted an immediate appeal through the company’s internal procedures, which was heard in September, and the verdict is expected towards the end of this week.
Mr Blower added: “We’re hopeful that the person adjudicating this case will see the sense of the union’s position and will overturn Ian’s sacking.
“At this time, we’re awaiting that announcement – but it’s shocking that, yet again, one of our members has had to go through such an injustice.
“This is the bullying Royal Mail management that we’re up against – it’s happening too much and too often and we’re going to change these attitudes.”
The Royal Mail said the correct procedures had been followed.
A spokesman said: “Although we cannot comment on the details of individual cases, we can confirm that the correct procedures are being followed in this matter.
“We remain in close contact with our CWU colleagues.”
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