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Walk-out by postal workers over closure

by Sue Carr
9/ 7/2008

STAFF at a mail delivery office say they will walk out on strike today (Thursday) in protest at plans to close it down.

The Post Office has served a closure notice on the Hadfield branch, which it wants to relocate to Hyde.

But although bosses say the move will not affect customer service, workers disagree and are to stage two 24-hour walkouts today and on Monday (14 July).

The strike action has been backed by members of Hadfield and Tintwistle Residents’ Association — currently fighting to save Tintwistle PO — who fear the loss of the delivery office will lead to the closure of the post office in Hadfield.

Chairman Steve Bagshaw said: "The postmaster receives an annual income from Royal Mail for each postal worker, the loss of which would make it very difficult for a small business to survive.

"Should the delivery office go, our fear is that the post office won’t be far behind. I haven’t heard anyone say that its future is safe."

Steve also says claims by Royal Mail that the delivery office does not meet health and safety regulations are untrue. The group is now planning a public meeting and petition to try and reverse the decision and is urging people to get involved. A Royal Mail spokeswoman said there were contingency plans to deliver mail if the ‘regrettable’ strike action went ahead.

"Conditions at Hadfield are no longer fit for purpose for staff or operational requirements," she added. "Royal Mail has investigated a number of options and has decided the most appropriate is to transfer the delivery operation to Hyde."