Postal workers call off strike (From York Press)

Postal workers call off strike

9:59am Saturday 29th November 2008 in News By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

STRIKE action by York postal workers planned during the busy run-up to Christmas has been postponed.

Members of the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) unanimously voted to ballot for strike action earlier this month over a controversial decision to stop sorting second-class mail at the Leeman Road depot.

Spokesman Paul Clays said union members believed the decision would lead to the eventual closure of the Leeman Road office and the loss of more than 350 jobs.

But Mr Clays has revealed workers will now not be taking any action just yet – so as not to disrupt the service over the festive period.

“We have decided to put on hold any decision on a ballot for strike action on the second class issue until after Christmas.

“Our argument is with Royal Mail not with the York public, business community, local council and MPs who have shown magnificent support for our cause. We will not abuse that support at this time of year on this issue in these circumstances.”

Mr Clays said the union’s ultimate aim of a future mail centre is tied up in the Government review due to report in the next couple of weeks.

“Any decision taken must take account of that report and its implications,” he said.

“We are due to meet Royal Mail locally in early January to discuss the business plan for 2009/10.

“We will be putting the case for the future of the York Mail Centre and continue to use all means necessary to achieve this aim.”

A Royal Mail spokeswoman refused to comment of the postponement of the strike, saying simply: “We’re continuing to focus on delivering our customers’ letters and parcels in the run-up to Christmas, our busiest time of year.”

News of Royal Mail’s intention to transfer second class mail sorting to Leeds was revealed in The Press earlier this month.

All second class mail posted within the YO postcode area will go to the Leeds Mail Centre.

The company said then that the move, intended to improve operational efficiency, would not result in the loss of any of the York centre’s 360 jobs. Concerns have deepened since then with reports that proposals may shortly be considered for dozens of smaller sorting offices across Britain to be shut as part of a Royal Mail rationalisation.