Workers at Perth Post Office could be set for strike action, The Courier can reveal.
Union members at the South Street premises have taken part in a ballot carried out by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) following concerns about Post Office Ltd being earmarked as one of five Scottish sites that could possibly be run as franchise operations in shops.
A majority of 88% of CWU members voted in favour of a strike, in a turnout of 75%.
There are 15 union members who work at Perth Post Office and, unless talks with Post Office Ltd are constructive, strike action may result possibly towards the end of April. If it goes ahead, the strike will be part of national action by CWU members.
John Brown, regional secretary of the CWU in Scotland, last night said he believes Post Office Ltd has not found any partners for the possible franchise operations, including the site in Perth.
The Post Office has said that it will carry out a six-week public consultation to “gather” the views of the local community but several Perthshire politicians have already criticised the proposed move.
A spokesperson for Post Office Ltd has said there will be no compulsory redundancies for the workforce based at Perth.
Mr Brown said that he feels the Perth Post Office staff have been left with an uncertain future because of the franchise plan, adding that they may now resort to strike action.
“The Perth Post Office employees are now in a position where they do not know where they are,” he said.
“The Perth premises are one of five identified for a franchise, but I believe the Post Office can’t find any partners to take them over.
“The franchise will have a substantial effect on the poor people working in these post offices, who will be asking what is next. They have been left in a difficult position.”
He continued: “After the union ballot, we have 28 days to sit down with the Post Office and try to reach an agreement.”
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, added: “Our post office members have spoken loud and clear in this ballot.
“They are fed up with being treated like second-class workers by the Post Office and they want their concerns to be listened to.”
Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at the Post Office, said the union vote rejects the offer of cash payments, totalling up to £3,400, to be paid before April 2015.
“Our offer of cash payments recognises the contribution being made by our people to the turnaround of the business,” he said.
“The result shows that a significant proportion of our staff don’t wish to take strike action and would like to work with us in delivering our plans to bring the business into profit.
“There is absolutely no room for manoeuvre. These payments are fair at a time when our Crown network is operating at a loss.”
A spokesperson for Post Office Ltd added: “We haven’t actually gone out to retailers yet but will be doing so soon to ask for expressions of interest.
“After that, if we find a retailer that is suitable in terms of size and location, we will then go out to the public with a six week consultation.”