Union boss behind Post Office Christmas strikes has conviction for assaulting a cop
THE postal union boss behind next week’s five days of strikes has a conviction for assaulting a cop.
And Dave Ward is proud to call himself a member of the “awkward squad”.
Mr Ward, 57, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, was found guilty of kicking the officer in a 2008 pub fight.
Mr Ward was detained after he stepped in to stop a fight involving his son, according to reports, but during his arrest the union boss kicked a PC, injuring the constable’s shoulder.
He was found guilty of assaulting the officer at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, fined £600 and also ordered to pay compensation to the officer of £100.
Next week’s five days of strikes at Crown Post Offices across the UK involve thousands of workers - and could disrupt the delivery of millions of Christmas cards and parcels.
Mr Ward, a father of four, was chosen as CWU boss in June last year.
The father of four, who lives in Chessington, Surrey, and according to company accounts got £76,760.68 in pay and perks last year.
The accounts suggest he was given this sum for seven months’ work, which would make his annual package worth £131,590.
Ex-postman Mr Ward is known to be a Chelsea supporter and a fan of Rolling Stone Keith Richards.
He defended next week’s planned action, saying: “[We have to do this] if we want to make a difference.”
A union source said it was due to hold talks with the Post Office in the dispute over job losses and the closure of a final salary pension scheme.
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