Royal Mail workers in Liverpool have gone on strike in solidarity with a Muslim postman who was allegedly racially abused by a manager.
The Liverpool Echo reports that last Wednesday more than 50 workers set up a picket line at the Bootle and Seaforth delivery office.
It followed claims that a female manager had asked a Muslim postie: “do you like women?”
The remark was badly received and the worker went home upset. He is a very popular member of staff, co-workers said.
His colleagues took sudden industrial action and a few days laster staff at the Warrington Royal Mail branch, in Cheshire, also walked out to support their colleague in the racist remark row.
It was said that Warrington drivers who refused to cross the picket line were suspended by Royal Mail bosses. As a result, other workers walked out in solidarity.
Sources said it could mean hundreds of staff being out on strike.
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Workers picketing outside the Bootle office repeatedly told the Liverpool Echo they had a “zero tolerance” stance to racism.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We are disappointed that unballoted industrial action is taking place today at Bootle and Seaforth delivery office. This covers the L20, L21 and L30 postcode areas.(Bootle, Seaforth and Litherland)
“We sincerely apologise to customers in these areas for any disruption to their mail services. The customer service point is open as usual for customers to collect items for which we have left a ‘Something for You’ card.
“Mail collections from postboxes in the area may also be affected this afternoon so customers are advised to post mail outside of the area, drop mail off at any main Post Office branch or at the delivery office.
“Royal Mail is fully committed to resolving our colleagues’ concerns in co-operation with the Communication Workers Union (CWU).”
