Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Postal staff walk out over cleaning demand
ROYAL Mail staff staged a walkout yesterday demanding a deep clean of the premises before they return to work.
Staff at the sorting office on Great James’ Street in Derry raised their grievances after a number of employees fell ill.
The Communication Workers’ Union told the Mirror more than 40 staff – one third of the workforce – was off after either testing positive for the virus or due to self-isolating.
It is understood 17 workers in total and 13 people since October 16 have tested positive for coronavirus.
Yesterday morning Charlie Kelly from the CWU said workers felt their health and safety was “compromised”.
He added: “Around one third of the workforce has been forced off.
“The office needs a complete deep clean from top to bottom, inside the office and the vans.
“Until that is done they do not want to go back into the building and they are standing in the yard there waiting for confirmation.
“We have received that confirmation that it will be done today [Tuesday] and hopefully it will be in time for tomorrow. We don’t want to be here but it had to come to an end today.”
Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson said Royal Mail should listen to the concerns of staff and trade unions at the sorting office.
She added: “Postal workers play a key role in our society, particularly at a time like this and, like all workers, should be confident that they can go to work in a safe environment.”
Royal Mail said it took the health and safety of staff, customers and local communities “very seriously”.
It also confirmed that an “intensive deep clean” of the premises had been carried out.
A statement added: “A number of colleagues have tested positive for coronavirus at the Derry Delivery Office.
“They are now recuperating at home and we wish them a speedy recovery. Some colleagues are also selfisolating.
“We are working to resolve any additional concerns with our colleagues and our union.
“Throughout this crisis, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.”