Strike action by postal workers

Drivers at the Royal Mail depot in Plymouth have gone back to work after taking part in the first of two two-hour strikes.

The industrial action was organised by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in a row over pay and job cuts.

Postal staff in the city said they intend to walk out again at 1600 BST for a further two hours.

About 12,000 workers are taking part in strike action across the UK, including London, Edinburgh and Bristol.

"They're taking away drivers' livelihoods and you can see it's 100% solid, the strike in Plymouth," one driver said.

'Minimise loss'

Dave Ward, from the CWU, there were serious problems in the postal sector which need to be resolved urgently.

But the Royal Mail said the union's action was an attempt to halt the modernisation of the business.

It added that most postal services were expected to operate normally.

Plymouth CWU branch secretary Tony Bouch told BBC News about 110 members were taking action locally.

The decision to strike for two hours on the early and late shifts had been taken to show support for the union's action, but minimise pay loss for members.

"It's about making a stand, but everyone knows these are difficult times so this way members will only lose two hours' pay," Mr Bouch said.

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