Postal strike

Jul 15 2009 Evening Gazette

AS MANY as 700 postal workers in the Darlington area are set to stage strike action on Friday to protest against “unfavourable” working conditions.

The move is part of a national round of strikes involving thousands of postal workers in a worsening row over jobs, pay and services. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said more than 12,000 members, including the Darlington workers, will walk out for 24 hours on Friday - although 1,300 Teesside members will not be taking part. The announcement comes after postal workers in Middlesbrough staged a two-hour walk-out earlier this month.

The union has accused Royal Mail of cutting the pay and jobs of workers without agreement. But the postal giant said the CWU had agreed to the changes and condemned the strike plans.