Belfast postal strike is to end

Striking Belfast postal workers have today decided to bring their two-week unofficial industrial action to an end.

Earlier in the week, the Communications Workers Union called on Royal Mail to meet with demands made by postal workers in a bid to break the ongoing stalemate situation.

They asked for a guarantee that union members would not be victimised when they returned to work, and also that an independent third party be brought in to hold a review into employee/management relations.

Royal Mail agreed to these terms in return for the union members to refrain from taking any further industrial action for the next twelve months, however the strikers gave no response.

Earlier today, around 200 postal workers held a meeting at Transport house in Belfast to discuss the offer and finally make a decision on ending their unofficial action.

This afternoon, a representative from the Communication Workers Union confirmed its members had voted to return to work after an agreement had finally been reached.

The strike began on January 31, when Royal Mail staff walked out in protest following disputes over disciplinary procedures with management and alleged cases of bullying, which have been denied.

During the strike, no post was delivered to areas in north, south or west Belfast, with areas in the east of the city remaining unaffected.

Special delivery items were not accepted across the province, and any mail posted in Belfast was not being processed.

All items posted in Northern Ireland for delivery in Britain, the Republic of Ireland or anywhere internationally, were also not being dispatched.

However, as from today, Royal Mail has said that they would resume the service to the south of Ireland, but it may take longer to restore British and international services.

It is expected to take up to a month to clear the backlog of post and customers needing more information and advice should contact the Royal Mail helpline on 08457 740740.

(EF/SP)