Postal workers strike looms closer

The threat of the first national strike by postal staff for 30 years came closer yesterday when dates were set for a ballot of 180,000 workers in a row over jobs.

Members of the Communication Workers Union will start voting on August 27, with the result due on September 12.

The union has claimed that the employment conditions of 7,000 cleaners and engineers due to transfer from Consignia to a joint venture with Balfour Beatty will worsen.

General secretary Bill Hayes said loyal workers were having their pensions threatened and job security put at risk.

Any strike would be the first involving delivery, counters and parcels staff since 1971 when there was a six-week walkout.