Royal Mail has duty to maintain local jobs

PUBLIC DUTY: Royal Mail is in the unique position of being the provider of a universal postal network and also having a strong duty as a public service provider.

Within the city of Stoke-on-Trent, I am highly concerned that Royal Mail has plans to downsize the number of staff engaged and employed within its distribution process.

The Communication Workers Union have undertaken a ballot calling on staff to take strike action to fight the proposals by senior executive management to reduce the numbers of postal workers' jobs within the city.

I am highly concerned that this downgrading of jobs at Royal Mail will reduce the levels of regular, reasonably paid employment within the city.

Royal Mail has a duty to provide a universal service and it must also consider its social obligations to maintain local jobs for local people.

I fully support any action that the CWU will take to protect postal jobs.

COUNCILLOR ADRIAN KNAPPER

Deputy leader

Labour group

Stoke-on-Trent City Council