City postal workers begin strike (UK)

Postal workers in Staffordshire have gone on strike over the suspension of nine colleagues.

The industrial action at the Burslem depot in Stoke-on-Trent affects 32,000 homes and businesses in the ST6 post code and is due to finish on 2 January.

Royal Mail bosses and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) met on Monday in a last-ditch bid to avoid the walk out.

Royal Mail said 200 managers had been drafted in and it was “determined” to deliver the post in time for Christmas.

The dispute dates back to September when 12 members of staff were suspended over allegations of bullying and harassment. Three were later reinstated.

The union said calls for an independent review of the disciplinary action were not met by Royal Mail.

Managers said they were disappointed that strike action had gone ahead.