Postal strikers resolute in the pouring rain

Paul Plim, local representative for the Communications Workers Union, said on today's Endwell Road picket line: "The reception we have been getting from the public has been very good.

"You only have to be here for a little while to see what people's reaction is.

"People have seen the notice we have put out form our general secretary explaining why we have taken action. When you have given the people the explanation they understand what it's about.

"They can relative to it. Thy can see the way services have been reduced locally with the loss of sub post offices like Old Town and Pebsham closing down.

"We shall stay on the picket line until about 11am. There is no point us standing here after that."

He said the strike locally is not 100 per cent.

A few union members had chosen because of personal circumstances to continue working.

"There are also non-members in there."

As he spoke, non-union members began to leave the sorting office access road. There was stony silence on both sides.

But after they had left those on the picket line complained that colleagues who had reported for work had allegedly been promised a full day's pay even though they had worked only four hours instead of eight and been rewarded with a free breakfast.

Members of the CWU are awaiting instructions from union headquarters on whether to carry out a second one-day strike.