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Postal deliveries in Plymouth are due to return to normal after Royal Mail workers went on strike.
Over the last three days, postmen and women from the West Park delivery office have stood on the picket line due to alleged bullying claims, and the Communication Workers Union [CWU] said it has received around 60 complaints about the management.
The CWU said it supported the actions of the postmen and women and that it would not tolerate its members working in an environment where they were “subject to endemic managerial bullying”.
Royal Mail said it was “disappointed” in workers, and confirmed there is an investigation into the bullying and harassment claims at Ivybridge delivery office, but has not yet responded to the bullying claims at West Park delivery office.
The CWU has today revealed that an agreement has been reached and workers will be returning to work as normal tomorrow.
The unofficial industrial action affected deliveries in 29 different areas across the city, including; 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.
(Image: Submitted)
Normal delivery service will return tomorrow.
Ralph Ferrett, CWU Branch Secretary, Plymouth and East Cornwall, said: “The branch are pleased to report that this afternoon the membership at West Park Delivery Office voted unanimously to accept a comprehensive return to work agreement; addressing all outstanding issues and a framework for resolving the longstanding matters within the Unit.
“The branch would like to thank everyone in our wider CWU community and the public for the messages of support and solidarity throughout this process.”
Royal Mail has been contacted for comment.
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.”
