Menu
10/06/2002
Royal Mail workers go on unofficial strike
Royal Mail workers at Belfast’s Tomb Street depot are currently engaged in unofficial strike action over the return to work of a manager who allegedly assaulted an employee.
Around 350 workers walked out this morning in response to the decision made by Consignia to reinstall the manager to frontline supervisory duties.
As a result postal services were disrupted today in north, south and west Belfast.
The individual, who made the allegation, has been off work for the last three months due to stress sources revealed.
However, Consignia said they had carried out an “exhaustive” internal investigation into the matter and had concluded the assault allegation was “found to have no substance whatsoever”.
Peter Hamill of the postal worker’s union CWU said they were “astounded” by the decision: “We just cannot believe this has happened. We are particularly astounded, as [Consignia] management accepted that full physical contact was made.
“We met with management from Consignia last Friday and spent from 11am to 6pm where we from the CWU listed seven areas of concern that we had drawn up.
“We requested the delay of the return of the manager until a written evaluation had been carried out by national headquarters in London. This ignored and the manager was returned today.
“However we are keen to see a speedy resolution that would be acceptable to both parties. Nevertheless we are not prepared to stand idly by and watch one of our workers get manhandled.”
However, the CWU has repudiated the unofficial strike action which Consignia Area Manager Michael Kennedy has further condemned as “unacceptable”.
Speaking today Mr Kennedy said: “Today’s action is simply unacceptable – all this type of action does is damage customer confidence in our service, which we can ill afford in the current climate.
“I would urge everyone involved in this irresponsible illegal action to return to work immediately and focus on getting the mail service back to normal. That is what our customers need and deserve from all of us.”
(AMcE)
Around 350 workers walked out this morning in response to the decision made by Consignia to reinstall the manager to frontline supervisory duties.
As a result postal services were disrupted today in north, south and west Belfast.
The individual, who made the allegation, has been off work for the last three months due to stress sources revealed.
However, Consignia said they had carried out an “exhaustive” internal investigation into the matter and had concluded the assault allegation was “found to have no substance whatsoever”.
Peter Hamill of the postal worker’s union CWU said they were “astounded” by the decision: “We just cannot believe this has happened. We are particularly astounded, as [Consignia] management accepted that full physical contact was made.
“We met with management from Consignia last Friday and spent from 11am to 6pm where we from the CWU listed seven areas of concern that we had drawn up.
“We requested the delay of the return of the manager until a written evaluation had been carried out by national headquarters in London. This ignored and the manager was returned today.
“However we are keen to see a speedy resolution that would be acceptable to both parties. Nevertheless we are not prepared to stand idly by and watch one of our workers get manhandled.”
However, the CWU has repudiated the unofficial strike action which Consignia Area Manager Michael Kennedy has further condemned as “unacceptable”.
Speaking today Mr Kennedy said: “Today’s action is simply unacceptable – all this type of action does is damage customer confidence in our service, which we can ill afford in the current climate.
“I would urge everyone involved in this irresponsible illegal action to return to work immediately and focus on getting the mail service back to normal. That is what our customers need and deserve from all of us.”
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2002
Strike action at Aldergrove suspended pending talks
Security staff at Belfast International Airport have returned to their jobs just hours after they commenced strike action following fresh talks between union officials and their employers. Around 100 security staff employed by aviation security firm ICTS went on strike from 4am to 8am on Wednesday May 7 in protest over pay and conditions.
Strike action at Aldergrove suspended pending talks
Security staff at Belfast International Airport have returned to their jobs just hours after they commenced strike action following fresh talks between union officials and their employers. Around 100 security staff employed by aviation security firm ICTS went on strike from 4am to 8am on Wednesday May 7 in protest over pay and conditions.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
01 September 2017
Swissport Workers At Belfast City Airport Set To Vote On Strike Action
Swissport workers at Belfast City Airport are to vote on whether to take strike action over the dismissal of a Union representative. Unite the union said they have served a notice on Swissport management informing them of an industrial action ballot. The ballot will open on 08 September and is to close on 27 September.
Swissport Workers At Belfast City Airport Set To Vote On Strike Action
Swissport workers at Belfast City Airport are to vote on whether to take strike action over the dismissal of a Union representative. Unite the union said they have served a notice on Swissport management informing them of an industrial action ballot. The ballot will open on 08 September and is to close on 27 September.
27 June 2024
New Action Plan Unveiled To Grow Seven Key NI Economic Sectors
A new action plan designed to grow seven of Northern Ireland's most innovative, productive and export-orientated economic sectors has been unveiled by Economy Minister, Conor Murphy. The action plans set out a roadmap to deliver the Minister's economic vision.
New Action Plan Unveiled To Grow Seven Key NI Economic Sectors
A new action plan designed to grow seven of Northern Ireland's most innovative, productive and export-orientated economic sectors has been unveiled by Economy Minister, Conor Murphy. The action plans set out a roadmap to deliver the Minister's economic vision.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
