Concerns raised for charities and businesses over postal strike (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Concerns raised for charities and businesses over postal strike

10:10am Sunday 18th October 2009 in Evesham Vale

THE postal strike could spell disaster for small businesses and charities, Bidford’s county councillor has warned.

In an unusual move, county council chairman, Peter Barnes, has written to Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union because of his concerns over the “particularly detrimental” effect the strike would have on the country during the economic downturn.

In the letter, he said: “I’m writing to express concern as to potential damage that may be caused if strikes were to take place.

“I believe it would be particularly detrimental during this time as the country tries to bring itself out of economic collapse.

“The tourism and business communities, which form a major part of our local economy, would also face major difficulties.

“It has been reported that charities would stand to lose £50million as a result with a single example being the Countryfile calendar which raises money for Children in Need. Due to the calendar not being delivered it’s likely that they will miss out on £400,000 of charitable donations.”

The CWU confirmed last week mail centre staff and network drivers would begin to strike from Thursday.

They will be joined by delivery and collection staff on Friday in the two-day protest over pay, modernisation and working conditions.