Royal Mail workers urged not to strike

Royal Mail workers are in Darlington are “deeply unhappy” and discussing strike action after the loss of six jobs, with further cuts being proposed.

300 Communication Workers Union members have been balloted at Darlington Mail Centre, which has seen nearly 100,000 items transferred to Tyneside, according to a union statement.

Branch secretary Brett Giroux said: “Our members are deeply unhappy that their hard work, high efficiency and excellent quality of service have been ignored by Royal Mail in the decision to move work from Darlington to Tyneside.

“We have continued to press our case that the work should remain in Darlington, with offers to discuss alternatives to the transfer of the work being flatly refused by Royal Mail.”

“This is a huge concern for this branch and the members over what the future might hold for Darlington Mail Centre.”

But Royal Mail have siad the changes are necessary, and does not affect any full-time staff.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We urge our staff at Darlington Mail Centre not to vote for strike action over the transfer of a small proportion of mail processing work to Tyneside Mail Centre.

“The move affects a small number of temporary, part-time staff, and is designed to improve our operational efficiency so we are better equipped to meet the combined challenge of increased competition and the continuing falling volumes of mail while providing our customers with the best possible levels of service.”