Post Office workers are striking in the run-up to Christmas: Here’s what you need to know
Post Office workers said they will strike during the run-up to Christmas, but at least 97 per cent of branches will stay open, the Post Office has said.
This is the latest in a string of strikes by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) over disputes on planned changes to workers' pensions.
When are the strikes?
CWU said the strike action will begin Monday 19 December in Crown Post Offices and run through to Christmas Eve in 300 of the group's 11,600 branches around the country.
The union has so far officially notified the Post Office of two days of strike action – the 19th and 20th.
Post Office workers to strike for five days in run-up to Xmas @CWUnews https://t.co/RKXe8KuKmx pic.twitter.com/v8m38QiAb1
— UnionNewsUK (@Union_NewsUK) December 13, 2016
What will be affected?
The Post Office assures it will be "business as usual" at the large majority of branches as many of the affected branches will remain open, group network and sales director Kevin Gilliland said.
It’ll be business as usual for at least 97% of our 11,600 branches next week, despite union’s call for strike action. pic.twitter.com/zUvVmJ9StN
— Post Office News (@PostOfficeNews) December 12, 2016
And more good news: Royal Mail is not involved in the strike, and it said there should be little effect on its services.
At closed branches, customers will be signposted to the next nearest branch, the Post Office said.
The strikes won't affect last posting dates, which are 21 December for first class and 20 December for second class post.