Fears over return of Nottingham schools strike action
There are fears of a return to strike action at schools in Nottingham after talks broke down over proposals to change the academic year.
Wave of unrest
Industrial unrest among teachers, water workers and train drivers.
Teachers strike
Teachers in Nottingham will go on strike tomorrow about proposals to split the school year into five terms.
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Postal workers across Midlands on strike, full report
Postal workers across the Midlands have gone on strike today in a row over jobs, pay and closures.
The Post Office says it is looking to shut or franchise out around 70 crown branches as part of a plan to save money. But postal unions say the proposals are putting jobs at risk.
Post Office issue statement on today's strikes
In response to today's strikes at more than 300 crown Post Offices nationwide, the Post Office issued the following statement:
– Post Office spokesperson"Crown branches are currently losing £40 million per year and this is being subsidised by public money.
This cannot continue. We are committed to the Post Office remaining a key part of UK high streets and our plans ensure this will happen."
As well as opposing branch closures, the CWU are also demanding an end to pay-freezes for its members.
And stress that unless an offer is forthcoming, more industrial action could be on the cards."
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Public asks why Post Office branches need to change
ITV News Central spoke to people in Kings Heath in Birmingham about the prospect of their local Post Office branch closing or becoming a franchise.
Those asked don't understand why the Post Office needs to make the changes to the retail side of the business.
Union questions Post Office branch closures
Jim Reeves, from the Communication Workers' Union, says the argument to close 70 Crown Post Offices is flawed because the business is profitable.
He spoke to ITV News Central outside the Kings Heath branch in Birmingham as staff went of strike this morning.
Closure or franchise prospect for 11 Post Offices
Out of the 70 Crown Post Offices which could be closed or being offered up for franchise, 11 are in the Central region. The branches are:
- Acocks Green in Birmingham
- Boston in Lincolnshire
- Cannock
- Chelmsley Wood in Birmingham
- Chesterfield
- Kidderminster
- Kings Heath
- Matlock
- Sutton Coldfield
- Telford Central
- Wisbech
Post Office say 97% of branches unaffected by strikes
Post Office regrets CWU call for strike action at 370 Post Offices tomorrow; we apologise for any inconvenience caused - 97% not affected.
From @PostOfficeNews on Twitter:Many of our Crown branches have opened this morning. The remaining 11,500 branches are unaffected by strike action.
From @PostOfficeNews on Twitter:Over 100 Crown Post Office branches have opened this morning out of the 370. The remaining 11,500 branches are unaffected by strike action.
From @PostOfficeNews on Twitter:Advertisement
Picket line set up in Birmingham against Post Office changes
Kings Heath Post Office workers protest over proposed franchise
Staff at a Post Office in Kings Heath will walk out in protest over jobs, pay and closures today.
Commercial Workers Union members will be protesting outside the branch as it is one of 70 that could be closed or turned into a franchise.
300 Crown Post Office staff members, from across the UK, are expected to walk out in support of the protest.
The Post Office say that nearly 12,000 branches are unaffected.
Union: Post office plans put hundreds of jobs at risk
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) claims that plans to close or franchise 70 of the UK’s biggest post offices - known as the Crown network - will affect hundreds of jobs.
Dave Ward, the CWU's deputy general secretary, said, "Our Post Office members are standing up against destructive plans which would slash 20% of the Crown network and are simply asking for fair treatment and job security.
"The Post Office's plans are short-sighted and would rob the network of the most productive offices while simultaneously putting hundreds of jobs at risk and potentially damaging local economies.
“We'd like to see a better vision for a successful network which maintains services in the heart of communities alongside quality jobs.
"We're confident this could be achieved if Post Office management would agree to negotiations".
Controversial school holiday decision made today
Councillors in Nottingham will today make a decision on whether to put controversial changes to school terms in place. Members of the National Union of Teachers are opposed to the plans, which could see five-term-years introduced and school holidays cut.
Seventy per cent of teachers say they are willing to go on strike over the issue.