A number of Chiswick's postboxes have been sealed with some displaying stickers stating that the closure is due to industrial action.

However, Royal Mail's External Relations Manager, James Taylor, told ChiswickW4.com that he was "unaware of any postal strikes in the area". 

He said "I can confirm that about 10 boxes have been sealed after a set of keys were misplaced earlier in the week. The boxes were emptied and sealed as a security measure and some are now open again as locks are replaced.

"I can confirm there is not and has been no industrial action, so cannot therefore comment on the origin of the stickers."

"We apologise to customers for the inconvenience but can assure them the remaining boxes should be re-opened shortly." he added.

If Chiswick's postal workers do decide to stage an unofficial walkout, it would be just one in a growing list of areas where postal workers have go on strike in support of Communication Workers Union (CWU) official involved in a dispute over sick leave.

Earlier walkouts in other parts of the country ended after bosses offered to reinstate the official's pay and new working terms were negotiated. Unions now claim that Royal Mail has since gone back on elements of this agreement.

 

September 21, 2006