Thousands of Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Unite members working in the Post Office took strike action on 15 September against attacks on their job security and pensions. In a programme of cuts, including 2,000 job losses, the loss of thousands of pounds in retirement pay and the ultimate privatisation of its ‘flagship branches’, the Post Office is continuing to attack the network and supply chain. Strikers lobbied parliament where a CWU rep from the West Midlands spoke to the Socialist.

Striking Post Office workers lobby parliament, 15.9.16, photo by Scott Jones

Striking Post Office workers lobby parliament, 15.9.16, photo by Scott Jones   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Why are you here today, why are you out on strike?

Basically, we’re here to fight for the future of the post office.

How many of you are out on strike?

It’s the Crown Post Office network, including admin and supply staff, which is about 3,000 people out on strike today. And 2,000 of those jobs could go through depot closures, post office closures and job losses as a result of exiting the external market. Our members who work in the supply chain that deliver valuables to the Post Office network nationwide are to go. The Post Office will now only operate the in-house network meaning we will lose 60% of our workload.

What is the mood like among the members on strike?

Very, very upbeat. I’m responsible for representing members in depots from Norwich to Preston and the mood is very upbeat and the vast majority of those workers are out on strike today.