In Birmingham, two picket lines at the front and back gates of the main mail centre in Newtown saw, on and off, tens of postal workers and their supporters, while 'Royal Mail police' were trying to break up the picket lines, intimidating and threatening picketers. There was also another picket line somewhere in the city centre.
the back gate picket line
the front gate picket line
closed for industrial action!
On the picket lines, postal workers spoke of low salaries and hardships, insecurities and increasingly precarious working conditions. Many workers are being hired or contracted on a short-term or temporary basis, mostly part-time, sometimes for days or even hours. This is why, one picketer explained, a lot of them are afraid of joining the picket lines. "They simply want to improve their work conditions and that requires the blessing of their bosses," she added.
Two Indymedia 'reporters' with a video camera went in to see the Mail Centre's management to get the other side of the story, so to speak, but "no one was available for interviews," they were told after some waiting. They were, however, given the official statement of Royal Mail, which stated that the company is "extremely disappointed that the Union has failed to grasp the need for the business to modernise and embarked on strike action that is damaging for our customers, our people and the company." The statement also claimed, among other things, that there have been 25% pay increase since 2002 and bonus payments totalling £1,500. "Nonetheless," it added, "we do want to further increase pay and rewards for our people. The offer on the table is a fair and realistic one – a 2.5% increase in basic pensionable pay, a £800 dividend if performance targets are hit and 50-50 share of any savings above budget at local office level." However, "against the backdrop of an increasing tough and shrinking market," it concluded, "we can't afford to pay more."
It is well known that the top bosses of Royal Mail are paid some of the highest salaries in the country. Earlier this month, Royal Mail 'awarded' its chief executive, Adam Crozier, a bonus of up to £370,000 as well as further benefits, taking his total package to more than £1 million and making him the highest-paid civil servant. Allan Leighton, the company’s chairman, is also said to have received a bonus of more than £100,000.
As to the "post chaos", as the infamous Birmingham Mail called it, Royal Mail said "we have developed contingency plans in order to reduce the effect of the strike but disruption is inevitable." Indeed, some Royal Mail managers were seen delivering Special Deliveries in town. "For once," as one of the picketers put it, "let them do some real work."
Comments
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Great stuff, but...
29.06.2007 21:13
Neon Black
Homepage:
http://dreaming-neon-black.blogspot.com
Who's side are the Union Leaders on??
30.06.2007 14:45
My question is this; Why oh why aren't the Union leaders, when on national or local TV or radio blowing this whole e.u. cover-up wide open?? I haven't seen or heard one Union representative even mention that all this is a result of e.u. directives, dictats and orders... These Union rep's have an almost unprecidented chance to blow the cover on the untold damage that our new e.u. dictators are doing to this country- Why dont they use their chance? Are they e.u. stooges as well??!! Can you just imagine what a good poke in the eye it would be to the power addicted e.u. projectists if this was all bought out into the public arena? (because I really feel that for some strange reason it never is). No more snooping around in the shadows with spineless creeps like blair and crew to carry out their dictats then into the bargain cover up the source (e.u.) of their deeds and actions? What we should all bare in mind as well is that while Post Offices and Hospitals are closing and our sick and ill die because we 'cant afford the medication and treatment...' , billions upon billions of pounds of OUR tax cash is being handed over to the very e.u. thats inflicting all of this upon us! Ok I've had my rant but in closing lets just see how many of the treacherous/traiterous fat cats who are overseeing these e.u. orders end up well paid and secure, looked after with pensions and bonuses that we couldnt even dream of and more than likely a title ta boot!! watch this space.
Once again sorry for the rant but seeing Neon Blacks 'mail rather got me on a roll.
Many Thanks.
Tim M
Tim Melville
e-mail:
ntm@supanet.com
Union leaders...
30.06.2007 18:46
In this case, the actual postal workers - i.e. the ones who do the posting, sorting, etc - need to link up with their European brothers and sisters, issue a demand (no redundancies and an above inflation pay rise), and stick to it. If they don't, we'll all suffer the consequences.
Neon Black
Homepage:
http://dreaming-neon-black.blogspot.com
Up the posties!
30.06.2007 18:48
BruisedShins