A walk-out by postmen in protest at the sacking of a colleague accused of stealing mail has been ruled out by their union.
However, a silent protest is to be staged by members of the community at Royal Mail’s Cupar delivery office where David Mitchell worked.
Colleagues, friends and customers of Mr Mitchell are angry that Royal Mail has failed to reinstate him as ordered by a judge.
A meeting was held by local members of the communications union CWU in support of the 57-year-old who won his employment tribunal following his dismissal from Cupar delivery office.
CWU branch secretary Kenny Logan said there would be no walkout, work-to-rule or any other form of unofficial industrial action.
He said: “There was a meeting which was well attended and we now have a flight path the membership wants me as branch secretary to take.”
Following the meeting in the Cupar YMCA, he is to report to the outdoor section secretary of the union and seek legal advice before it is decided what action to take.
Mr Logan said: “Under no circumstances will there be any unofficial industrial action in any shape or form.”
A date is yet to be set for the silent protest, organised by a friend of Mr Mitchell, but it is likely to take place this week.
Mr Mitchell said: “All I want to do is return to my work and do the deliveries I have been making for the last 17 years.
“I am 100% innocent and I have been living and breathing this for the last 15 months. It has taken its toll on my health.”
Mr Mitchell, of Chance Inn, was unfairly dismissed by Royal Mail which alleged he stole greetings cards containing money and gift vouchers.
None of the missing items were found on Mr Mitchell or in his van, car or home and Judge Ian McFatridge found there were insufficient grounds for Royal Mail to sustain its belief in his guilt.
The delivery firm has requested a reconsideration hearing of his reinstatement.
Customers on Mr Mitchell’s route of 17 years in Ceres, Craigrothie, Cults and Chance Inn have written to Royal Mail demanding his return to post and more than 800 people have signed his online petition demanding the judges’ finding be final in UK employment law.