The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Talks to avert mail strike
Royal Mail: Dispute between posties and mail company over sacked worker
Urgent talks are being sought to avert a postal strike in support of a sacked Fife postman.
Postal workers across Edinburgh, Fife and Falkirk areas have voted to walk out in protest at Royal Mail’s refusal to reinstate David Mitchell.
Mr Mitchell, 57, of Chance Inn, won his case for unfair dismissal but the employer has refused to let him return to his round. Strikes have already been held by his former colleagues at Cupar delivery office.
Around 2,500 members of the Communication Workers Union were balloted on industrial action in the wake of what a union leader described as one of the biggest injustices ever involving Royal Mail and a member.
The CWU confirmed it now had a mandate for strike action, which could see a series of one-day walkouts affecting mail processing, distribution and delivery.
Assistant secretary Ray Ellis said: “We have a ‘yes’ vote from David Mitchell’s colleagues in the branch but we are seeking urgent talks with Royal Mail to resolve the issue.”
Although Royal Mail has paid Mr Mitchell compensation, as ordered by judge Ian McFatridge following an appeal, Mr Mitchell, who was accused of stealing mail, has continued his fight to return to work.
Mr Mitchell declined to comment for the time-being on the outcome, but acknowledged the widespread support of colleagues and former customers.
North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins urged the delivery firm to look again at its treatment of Mr Mitchell.
He said: “The ball is very firmly in Royal Mail’s court and I hope that they will look at reinstating my constituent and respecting the decisions of the tribunal.”
Mr McFatridge found that Royal Mail had insufficient grounds on which to sustain its belief that Mr Mitchell was guilty of theft.
However, the firm has repeatedly stated that trust had broken down between employer and employee and it had a duty to protect the mail.
A spokesperson said: “Royal Mail is very disappointed that CWU members across four postcodes in the east of Scotland have voted for industrial action over an employment tribunal case.
“Any action or threat of action is damaging to our business.
“In this case, there was sufficient evidence for us to dismiss Mr Mitchell. Four out of five test pieces of mail for Mr Mitchell’s delivery frame went missing on three separate occasions.
“All other test items in this office for other employees were delivered correctly.
“We are continuing to talk to our people and unions about this matter.
“We have robust contingency plans in place to ensure we continue to deliver a high quality service to affected postcode areas.”