Swann sticks up for local posties

SOUTH Antrim MP Robin Swann has spoken out in support of local postal workers and called on Royal Mail bosses to take responsibility for service failures across the area.

Mr Swann has been contacted by local frontline staff who are deeply concerned about the future of the service. They have described a difficult working culture and a two-tier employment model that has seen a high number of experienced staff leave the business.

The MP has now written to the Interim CEO of Royal Mail and communications regulator, Ofcom, to demand better protection for workers and a more reliable service for local residents.

Commenting on the situation, Robin Swann said: “I know many people across South Antrim have been frustrated by missed deliveries and delays to their post. I want to be very clear that this is an issue with the way Royal Mail is being run, not with our local postmen and women who are out in all weathers in their community.

“From speaking to frontline staff, it is obvious that the current system is failing them. We have a situation where new starters are being put on much worse terms and conditions, which is causing a massive turnover in staff. You cannot run a reliable service if you do not treat your workers with respect and pay them fairly.

“I have written to the bosses at Royal Mail to tell them they must honour their agreements and equalise pay for new staff. I have also asked Ofcom to step in and stop the race to the bottom that is being caused by gig economy courier companies.

“Our postal workers deserve better than to be blamed for management failures. I am proud to stand by our posties and I will keep pushing to ensure we have a postal service that actually works for everyone.”