Belfast postal workers' strike is continuing

National representatives of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) are meeting Royal Mail management.

Workers at Tomb Street in Belfast began an unofficial strike on 31 January after staff alleged harassment by managers. Royal Mail denied the claims.

Mail deliveries have been disrupted with Belfast the worst affected area. The Federation of Small Businesses said the strike was disrupting the economy.

Harry McGimpsey, FSB Branch Chairman, said the strike was "bringing small business owners to their knees"

"Many of our members are unable to receive cheques and other important mail which has resulted in their cash flows being reduced by 95% in some cases," he said.

David Peden, Royal Mail commercial manager, said they hoped national level involvement would help the situation.

"What we want to do is to put our position clearly to the national people with whom we have had some productive engagement over the last week now in terms of the original proposal which we put forward," he said.

"Unfortunately, the CWU locally seem to try and attach a lot of preconditions which really are not practical."

'Disappointed'

Peter Donaghy, a member of the CWU's national executive, said the union was "very disappointed" that the strike had not been resolved, adding that it was an issue which should be sorted out locally.

Mr Donaghy said employees wanted an independent review to address their concerns.

"What they (Royal Mail) are being asked for is a standard thing, standard practice, nothing unusual in terms of how to bring these disputes to an end," he said.

"It has been done in various parts of the United Kingdom... I don't understand why Royal Mail are refusing to have an independent review."

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

Royal Mail rejected claims of harassment, 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.