BURSLEM STRIKE STEPS UP A GEAR
Industrial action is being extended and intensified in Burslem in response to Royal Mail’s continued refusal to allow twelve suspended workers to have their cases heard by an independent appeals panel.
Workers at Burslem delivery office have voted by 79 votes to 2 to extend current industrial action by a further two weeks to 30th January. The CWU will also ballot every branch in the Stoke-on-Trent area for industrial action, affecting a further 1,500 postal workers, in support of the striking postal workers at Burslem. Ballot papers will be going out next week.
Lee Barron, CWU Midlands Regional Secretary, said: “The courage and determination of postal workers at Burslem is exceptional. The vote this week is better than the original ballot for industrial action because workers can clearly see the injustice of the situation.
“All we are asking for is that Royal Mail has this case heard by an independent appeals panel. We have even suggested going to mediation through the TUC or ACAS but Royal Mail are still refusing – what do they have to hide?
“We are keen to resolve this dispute for everyone involved. Concerns over bullying and harassment by managers means that the only fair way that this situation can be resolved is through an independent appeals panel and not the judgement of Royal Mail managers.”
There will be a national march and rally in support of the striking Burslem workers on Saturday 19th January. Marchers will assemble outside Burslem delivery office on Scotia Business Park at 1.30pm and the rally’s speakers will include Billy Hayes , CWU general secretary.
Thanks to Solidarity trade Unions magazine for this
There is more about Burslem on A Very Public Sociologist’s blog:
By the way, I understand Bristol CWU are considering action over the victimisation of a number of posties in smaller offices who have been sacked for allegedly making anonymous posts on the Royal Mail chat site during the recent dispute.
Let us not forget that these guys (and gal?) were not supported previously by our leaders when they forced that sell out deal on us.
Hey Billy did Gordon thank you for his early christmas present?
See you on Saturday.Philippo!
Comment by phil — 12 January, 2008 @ 11:19 pm
Thanks for posting it up, Andy.
Phil, there is some frustration among the posties that *their* event has been somewhat hijacked by the national leadership. This is in marked contrast to other recent local labour movement events (2006 march and rally by 2,500 local nurses, 2004 Miners’ commemorative event) where local activists were the main speakers. But still, because the leadership are involved it should be a very well-attended demo.
Here’s the list of speakers and solidarity info I’ve been circulating elsewhere on the internet:
National March and Rally in support of the Burslem Strike - 19th
January, 2008.
13:30 Assemble at Burslem Delivery Office, Scotia Business Park,
Scotia Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent
14:00 March
15:30 Rally:
- Chair - Jane Loftus - CWU President
- Billy Hayes - CWU General Secretary
- Dave Ward - CWU Deputy General Secretary
- Joan Whalley MP
- Lee Barron - CWU Midlands Regional Secretary
- Speakers tbc Midlands No.7 Branch, Burslem 12
Immediately following the rally there will be a benefit gig at Burslem
WMC with bands playing for free. All money raised goes to the
strikers. All welcome.
12 Members, 200 Years Service, Over 100 Striking for Justice - Support
the Burslem Strike. Messages and donations can be sent to “Defend the
Burslem 12″, CWU Midland No.7 Branch, Lindsay Street, Stoke-on-Trent.
ST1 4EP. All should be marked “Defend the Burslem 12″. Cheques are
payable to CWU Midland No.7 Branch. Solidarity messages can be emailed
to political@NOSPAMcwumid7.org.uk with copies to
andybentley3@NOSPAMtiscali.co.uk (remove the NOSPAMs).
Comment by a very public sociologist — 13 January, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
Hello Madam
Here we go agian The main Stay of Stoke on Trent is the people why are we putting up another mess in burslem Doultons Along with Wedgewoods have already shown their respect to the people of Stoke on Trent ( By leaving their waste behind) Lets do something different
Like finallising Removal all of the toxic waste left Behind. Bringing the staffotdshire counties health problems to the forfronf so all is well like no bonus payments to the local public sector
I travel to london to work I get no overtime. sleep in local digs you should try the J.I.B rates set out by our union its not unresonable but we do work 12-14 hours just to make up a living Wage Ps could lend me £100,000 so I can retire seeing as you the tax office raide mine to keep you in the atile you are acustomed to (61 years of age and been ruined by you shower print this if you dareplease explain why you fill you pockets you should be audited
By your constituants
Comment by AJM — 9 May, 2009 @ 3:05 pm