Postmen and women threaten to unleash wave of militant wildcat strikes
POSTIES piled more Christmas misery on to families last night by threatening unofficial strike action — after Labour’s leadership backed widespread walkouts.
Wildcat action by around 1,000 delivery staff could delay millions of cards and gifts that now may not arrive by December 25.
The postmen and women are set to refuse to cross picket lines and collect from 300 high street Post Offices across the country hit by staff strikes.
The threat, as commuters faced yet more chaos on Southern Railways, came as Theresa May was put under growing pressure from her party to take on militant union bosses.
MPs called on the PM to draw up new powers to protect “essential services” such as the trains. Tory MP Chris Philp said the Government had to make it harder for unions to pull out staff in areas such as the railways, NHS and airports.
A Cabinet minister separately told The Sun: “We have to fight them.”
But it was claimed that Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell had texted strike leaders in September saying: “Whether it is in Parliament or on the picket line, Jeremy Corbyn and I will be there with you. Solidarity.”
And RMT president Sean Hoyle was reported as saying the union’s aim was to overthrow the “capitalist system”.
RMT conductors are to stage a two-day strike on Southern from today.
Workers at the biggest Post Offices will also go on strike for up to six days from today — with possible back-up action from the posties.
And 1,500 check-in staff at regional airports walk out from Friday. Meanwhile, BA cabin crew will strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Labour MP Meg Hillier broke ranks from her party yesterday to warn unions “could be shooting themselves in the foot” by hurting ordinary Brits.
No 10 said it would keep recently-passed legislation over industrial action under review.
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Q&A
WHO is striking? More than 1,500 Swissport check-in staff, baggage handlers and cargo crew Unite members will walk out at 18 airports on December 23 and Christmas Eve. Around 4,500 British Airways cabin crew Unite members will strike on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Virgin Atlantic pilots are working “strictly to contract” from December 23. Southern Rail conductors and drivers belonging to Aslef and the RMT will disrupt Southern and Gatwick Express services today and tomorrow, December 31 to January 2 and January 9 to 14. About 4,000 Post Office workers in almost 300 branches will strike from today to Christmas Eve.
WHY are they striking? Swissport and BA workers over pay while Virgin pilots are arguing over union representation. Aslef and RMT are in a dispute with Southern over the role of train guards in operating doors. Post Office staff are protesting job losses and pension changes.
WHAT impact will it have? Massive delays to thousands of families flying over Christmas. Many more rail commuters will have to take different routes. Sacks of gifts and letters may be left undelivered until after Christmas Day.