Belfast postal workers' strike is continuing

It said it "reaffirmed its previous offer to involve a third party" to review working relations at the Tomb Street depot where the dispute centres.

The Communication Workers Union insisted on Saturday the company had not put forward any firm proposals.

Royal Mail claimed union officials had accepted the offer last Monday.

Deliveries in north, south and west Belfast have been disrupted since more than 200 workers at the Tomb Street depot began the strike on 31 January.

The Communication Workers Union had been in talks with the Labour Relations Agency for four days last week.

Royal Mail claimed in a statement on Saturday the union had rejected an offer to look at employee grievances only once they came back to work at the Tomb Street depot.

However, union spokesman Peter Donaghy insisted Royal Mail had no firm proposals, adding: "Any firm proposals were put forward by us."

'Position unchanged'

On Saturday, Royal Mail commercial manager David Peden said the company's position remained unchanged.

"When they come back, we can talk about any legitimate concerns they have, but this action just cannot be carried on any longer."

The strike began over difficulties between staff and management over disciplinary procedures and other issues in the north Belfast section.

It is understood the dispute relates to allegations of widespread bullying and harassment in the company.

However, Royal Mail rejected the claims, saying the company was only dealing with a small number of cases.

Post has been disrupted in north, south and west Belfast but an attempt to widen the strike to Londonderry failed because of a lack of support for the Belfast workers.