Chipping Norton postal workers out in full force for strike

They joined more than 115,000 workers across the country on Friday for a strike which the Communication Workers Union say’s is ‘the biggest in the UK since 2009’.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said his members voted in favour of the strike by 97.6% in a ballot, after management “imposed” a 2% pay rise on employees but “rewarded themselves with record bonuses”.

There was a 100% turnout for the strikes in Chipping Norton

In Chipping Norton, there was a 100% turnout for the industrial action with not a single postal worker in, CWU representative Matt Hayden confirmed.

Workers were joined at the picket line at the sorting office on Station Road by members of the Chipping Norton Labour Party.

“We are proud to stand with our posties today,” said Steve Akers, Chair of Chipping Norton Labour Party.

Speaking to the strikers he said: “Your fight is to maintain Royal Mail as an essential public service.

“Royal Mail is a 150 year institution with postal workers at the heart of our communities.

“We stand with you in your action to defend your working conditions and for a decent pay rise to match inflation.

“With inflation now at 10.4% workers need a pay packet which keeps pace.

“This why you are right to take the action you are. Solidarity!”

Chipping Norton Labour Party brought along bacon sandwiches for the striking postal workers

Mr Akers and Sharon Akers reprised the solidarity they gave their local postal workers during the 2009 strike, by bringing down trays of bacon rolls again to the strikers.

Drivers passing by also demonstrated solidarity by tooting their horns in support.

Chipping Norton Labour Party will be supporting the CWU on their next strike days on Wednesday August 31 Aug, Thursday September 8 and Friday September 9.