Branch closures blamed for Post Office walkout

Eight members of the counters staff at the main branch in West Street will walk out at 12.30pm refusing to stay until 4pm as bosses have demanded.

They say they are struggling to cope with the extra work created by the closure of local branches and have branded the decision an "insult" after more than 20 years of lunchtime finishes on Christmas Eve.

Post Offices Ltd have pledged to send management volunteers to cover.

The local deputy branch secretary for the Communication Workers Union (CWU), who asked not to be named, said: "The decision has been taken to go home as we feel it is very bad for morale.

"Banks close early and counters staff deserve to as there's been extreme pressure lately with the closure of local sub-post offices. Branch offices have taken a lot of that work.

"It's certainly not done to antagonise customers."

CWU national officer Andy Furey added: "There is no need to keep offices open until 4pm on Christmas Eve and to suggest otherwise is absurd.

"Our members work tirelessly in the run-up to Christmas to provide an excellent service, and to try and force them to work at a time when they want to be with their family and friends is insulting. What sort of festive message is that?

"The 12.30 finish has been in place for decades. Employees deserve it."

The Post Office's chief executive has hit back

David Mills said: "The call for strike action is unnecessary and unjustified. About two million customers, who rely solely on the Post Office for access to their cash, are dependent on our network being open on Christmas Eve so they can obtain their benefit payments and have cash over the following four-day Christmas holiday.

"We are determined to do everything possible to ensure our customers can visit our branches."

In a national ballot, 84 per cent of members - a total of 1,954 workers - voted for industrial action.

The strike also affects four members of staff at Gosport's main post office in High Street.