Union members at Crown Post Offices, possibly including those in Perth, are set for strike action on Easter Saturday in a dispute over franchise plans, jobs and pay.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will walk out for 24 hours after backing industrial action. The union said up to 4,000 workers will be involved, at 373 Crown Post Offices.
Union members are incensed at proposals to franchise more than 70 Crown Post Offices, which include the Post Office in South Street, Perth. It is believed that picket lines will be mounted outside some of the offices.
CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward said their members had “no choice” but to serve notice for strike action.
“The patience and loyalty of our Post Office members has been abused by Post Office management,” he said.
“This dispute is about protecting jobs and services as well as securing a fair pay increase for our members. We’re saying to the public ‘If you value your Post Office, support these workers on Easter Saturday and beyond’.”
John Brown, regional secretary for CWU Scotland, said that the strike would be UK-wide.
The strike action was condemned by the Post Office. Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at the Post Office, said: “The CWU is ignoring the harsh commercial realities being faced by the Post Office and other retailers across the UK.
“Crown branches are currently losing £40 million per year and this is being subsidised by public money. This can’t continue,” he said.
“We are committed to the Post Office remaining a key part of UK high streets, and our plans ensure this will happen.
“They mean that for 70 of our Crown branches we will be looking to partner with a suitable retailer, whilst at the same time we will invest £70m in the remaining 300 Crown branches to modernise and grow services to ensure their long-term viability.”
Mr Gilliland said the pay offer “remains unchanged.”
“We want to make the first payment of up to £1,400 as quickly as possible,” he said.
“The unrealistic demands and call for strike action being made by the CWU will only delay how quickly this will be received into our people’s pay packets.”