Post Office staff to push ahead with five-day walkout after union offer is rejected
A STRIKE by Post Office branch workers over jobs, pensions and closures will go ahead next week.
The Communication Workers Union said an offer it made to resolve the row was rejected.
Workers will take action over five days, including Christmas Eve.
The union is embroiled in a bitter row over job losses, the closure of a final salary pension scheme, and the closure of Crown Offices, with services transferred to firms such as WHSmith.
CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: "The CWU made a genuine offer to resolve next week's action and this was rejected without any serious consideration by the company.
"Our proposal is entirely reasonable and calls for both parties to step back to allow for meaningful negotiations to be undertaken.
"The rejection of our offer demonstrates they intend to press on regardless with a closure / franchise programme that will mean the Post Office will cease to exist in the High Streets of Britain.
"We cannot and will not sit back and allow this to happen. Their rejection of our offer will signify the start of a prolonged campaign to save the Post Office."
Deputy General Secretary Terry Pullinger added: "The latest response from the Post Office is bitterly disappointing and an indication that the employer is determined to force through their plans irrespective of the concerns of the customers, staff and the union.
"The response we have received from the public has been one of massive support for our efforts to protect this highly cherished service and we are determined to not allow it to slip from our High Streets via death from a thousand cuts."
Kevin Gilliland of the Post Office said: "We are disappointed that, whilst we've been holding discussions with the union throughout this week and have made it clear we remain open to further, formal talks at the most senior level, they are continuing to cause concern to customers during the festive season.
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"We can reassure people that if there is strike action next week it will have a limited impact.
"At least 97% of our 11,600 branches open for business as usual all week, and all of them will be open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
"We have robust contingencies that will ensure that all branches have the support and cash they need to operate next week and deliver Christmas as usual for our customers."