Postal strike brings strife to thousands of companies

NORTHERN Ireland businesses were thrown into chaos yesterday following an illegal industrial action by postal workers.

Thousands of businesses in south, west and north Belfast said they were seriously hit by the walkout at the city’s main delivery centre in Tomb Street following allegations that a worker was assaulted by a manager.

Residential and business customers in the east of the city, which has its own delivery centre on the Beersbridge Road, were unaffected by the action.

And millions of letters could remain undelivered if the dispute continues for a second day.

The Federation of Small Businesses said the action had serious repercussions for its members.

Spokesperson Glyn Roberts said: “As a business organisation representing nearly 3,000 businesses across Northern Ireland, we are obviously concerned at the effect this ongoing industrial action will have on businesses.

“Many small firms operate from home and depend on their mail for the smooth running of their business and I would hope that both sides can resolve their differences in this current dispute and that the postal service will be restored as quickly as possible.”

Mr Roberts added it is impossible to calculate how much revenue will be lost as a result of the strike action.

“It is difficult to quantify, but it is safe to say that businesses, both large and small, will be suffering as a result of this. Many of them depend on the mail, especially small businesses, for cheques, invoices, orders and they will suffer seriously as a result of this ongoing strike.”

One small business owner in south Belfast said that if the strike continues indefinitely his business would undoubtedly suffer.

“I am expecting payment for goods and services and need this to keep my cashflow going. If there is any hold up it will put me in a very difficult position. I am extremely angry that the situation could not have been resolved without resorting to strike action.”

Royal Mail management stressed it was an illegal action which has been repudiated nationally by the Communication Workers’ Union.

Area manager Michael Kennedy said: “This will be a real blow to residential and business customers who have every right to expect a consistent and reliable service without unforeseen and unjustifiable disruption.

“We are calling on employees to get back to work because it is totally unacceptable and unnecessary for customers.”

Mr Kennedy added: “There will be a backlog of mail at Tomb Street and we sympathise with all customers.”

The regional branch of the Communication Workers’ Union said it was trying to limit the disruption to businesses in the greater Belfast area.

Bobby Weatherall, deputy branch secretary, CWU, said: “The assurance that we as a union can give is that we will do everything in our power to get our workers back to work as soon as possible.

“We do want to get the service back to normal and we do want to get the customers’ mail delivered.”