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Postie soldier is bosses’ target

A part time soldier awaiting deployment to Afghanistan is among CWU union reps being targeted for disciplinary action by Royal Mail.

The rep, who cannot be named, works at a delivery office in south London. He was suspended from work after following union instructions to log the details of vans carrying casual workers into his office during strikes last month.

A strike-breaking driver attempted to wrestle the notepad away from him, grabbing him by the arm. The driver then told police that he had been assaulted.

Management at the office took this as their cue to suspend the rep, pending “enquires”. They now appear to be doing everything they can to have him sacked before he starts preparations for a tour of duty in Afghanistan later this month.

The rep told Socialist Worker that bosses at his office have long regarded him as a thorn in their side.

“They want me out because I stand up to bullies,” he said. “When I’m in work they monitor me closely and, if I have a bit of union work to do, they’re always on my case.

“I returned to work after the incident on the picket line and a manager at my office immediately suspended me.

“It’s my view that they want to ‘fast-track’ my disciplinary and have me sacked before I deploy to Afghanistan. That way they won’t have to make my pension contributions for the next year.”

The following should be read alongside this article:

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Notes from a postal striker in the north: Sack the dimwit duo and cronies

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Last week’s solid strikes showed workers’ strength

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We should come first

Only a good deal will be enough

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