Threat of continued postal strike

The strike was called after workers were sacked over sick leave

Postal workers are threatening to continue strike action which has already closed two sorting offices in South Wales.

The Communication Workers' Union has accused post office managers of unfairly sacking workers on sick leave.

The day-long dispute involves 200 workers at the south Wales sorting offices at Bridgend and Aberdare.

Management are bearing down upon workers who are ill

CWU branch secretary Stephen Bell

They are seeking the reinstatement of a number of staff who, they claim, have been victimised for taking "excessive" sick leave.

Workers have accused the local managment of taking a hard line stance on the issue that is at odds with the rest of the Royal Mail.

"Management are bearing down upon workers who are ill," said CWU branch secretary Stephen Bell.

"Statistics show that Cardiff area management is operating the most severe sick-leave regime of any local management throughout the south Wales/south West England division of the Royal Mail."

For its part, management said agreed procedures have been followed in all cases.

"The cases of the individual employees concerned have been through the full procedure, and following appeal, a decision has been taken to terminate their contracts," said Royal Mail Area Manager Ninian Le Blanc.

The striking workers union said the action would have a major impact on deliveries in the areas concerned.

But the Royal Mail said it will do its best to maintain services as far as possible.