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Many homes across Plymouth will not have received post today after Royal Mail workers went on strike due to bullying claims.
Postmen and women from the West Park delivery office downed tools this morning [Wednesday] due to alleged problems with management, a week after workers from the Ivybridge delivery office walked out.
The Communication Workers Union has said it supports the actions of the postmen and women and that it will not tolerate its members working in an environment where they are “subject to endemic managerial bullying”.
Royal Mail has said it is “disappointed” in workers, but has confirmed there is an investigation into the bullying and harassment claims at Ivybridge delivery office.
A Royal Mail spokesperson has apologised to residents for the delay in post.
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.
Ralph Ferrett, CWU Branch Secretary, Plymouth and East Cornwall, said: “The CWU membership at West Park walked out and took unofficial industrial action, due to longstanding complaints of bullying and harassment from local management and allegations of unfair work distrubtion.
“CWU officials are in talks attempting to resolve the issues, get members back to work and get our customers mail delivered, however we have to ensure that our members can work in an environment where they are not subject to endemic managerial bullying.”
(Image: Katie Timms)
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.
“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.”
In relation to the Ivybridge strike action which took place on Wednesday, July 17, Martin Walsh, who is from the CWU, said that bullying needs to be given a “bigger focus” and that members in “too many offices are being bullied” and that “enough is enough”.
He said: “With another office Ivybridge walking out due to bullying we need to give this issue a bigger focus.
“Our members in too many offices are being bullied, whether it is through Royal Mail’s contact strategy, whether it is that the office or individuals are not working in their belief efficiently enough or whether managers are trying to resource by the PDA.
“Any kind of bullying is unacceptable.
“However managers bullying individuals often using their position of authority to target individuals is the worst of all bullying.
“Surely our members deserve to work in an environment free from bullying and from too many managers resourcing to budget rather than what is needed to provide a service which is based on achieving quality standards.
“Enough is enough we need to act now and say to Royal Mail that the bullying of offices and individuals has to stop.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Royal Mail is currently investigating these allegations.
“As the investigations are ongoing, we won’t comment further. All employees have returned to work and mail deliveries are back to normal, with no delay to the mail.
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“Bullying and harassment is not tolerated at Royal Mail.
“There are processes and procedures in place for employees to report it if they feel they are being unfairly treated, including a whistleblowing line.”
