Chipping Norton posties join CWU rally outside Parliament

Striking postal workers from Chipping Norton have joined thousands of other posties from across the country for a mass rally in Westminster this afternoon over pay and working conditions.

More than 15,000 workers are expected to attend including Dave Ward, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union.

“Royal Mail bosses are risking a Christmas meltdown because of their stubborn refusal to treat their employees with respect,” Mr Ward said ahead of the rally.

“Postal workers want to get on with serving the communities they belong to, delivering Christmas gifts and tackling the backlog from recent weeks.

“But they know their value, and they will not meekly accept the casualisation of their jobs, the destruction of their conditions and the impoverishment of their families.

“This can be resolved if Royal Mail begin treating their workers with respect, and meet with the union to resolve this dispute.”

READ MORE: Chipping Norton postal workers strike over pay and working conditions

Thousands of postal workers have gathered in Westminster this afternoon (Image: PA)

READ MORE: Postal strikes continue in Chipping Norton

Also speaking will be Mick Lynch, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.

As they set off, the Chipping Norton posties were joined by town councillor and former UNISON regional officer, Steve Akers, and his wife Sharon, who have been supporting the workers throughout their dispute with the Royal Mail.

“The postal dispute has now reached a crucial stage,” said councillor Akers.

“Royal Mail as we know it is disappearing before our eyes.

“The CWU must win this dispute otherwise one of our most cherished national institutions will become just another courier.”

Councillor Steve Akers joins postal workers in London (Image: Councillor Steve Akers)