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09/10/2009
Retailers Warn Of Postal 'Mayhem'
NI's shopkeepers and other small businesses are alarmed at news of a national postal strike.
Glyn Roberts, the head of the independent retail lobby group, the NI Independent Retail Trades Association (NIIRTA), said a strike was "the last thing recession-hit small businesses want to see at this time".
"Small Businesses rely on Royal Mail to receive vital items such as cheques and invoices which are absolutely vital for their day to day cash flow, particularly with the recession putting extra pressure on them.
"While I hope a deal can be done with Royal Mail and the union, the timing of this strike is particularly bad for our economy and we would urge all sides to go the extra mile to get agreement," said the NIIRTA executive, (pictured).
As warnings of Christmas mayhem were issued by consumers groups and other businesses, the Deputy Leader of the Communications Workers' Union (CWU) has called for Royal Mail to change its direction.
Dave Ward said the call for strike action in a ballot involving 3,500 thousand workers in Northern Ireland had come as a result of the "imposition" of changes to working practices as well as cuts in their pay and job losses.
Limited regional action has already taken place - with the Carrickfergus Mail Depot among those taking 24-hour action - but a UK-wide strike as Christmas approaches could only bring misery for small businesses.
The union will now have to give seven days notice of a strike, raising the threat of industrial action across the country by the end of the month, just two years after the last national stoppage.
The Royal Mail accused the CWU of "again" tearing up the agreement reached in 2007 at the end of another dispute - and also disputer that a majority of staff had actually backed action - as many are not in the union and unable to vote.
See: Carrick Hit By Postal Strike
See: Vote For UK Mail Strike Questioned
(BMcC/GK)
Glyn Roberts, the head of the independent retail lobby group, the NI Independent Retail Trades Association (NIIRTA), said a strike was "the last thing recession-hit small businesses want to see at this time".
"Small Businesses rely on Royal Mail to receive vital items such as cheques and invoices which are absolutely vital for their day to day cash flow, particularly with the recession putting extra pressure on them.
"While I hope a deal can be done with Royal Mail and the union, the timing of this strike is particularly bad for our economy and we would urge all sides to go the extra mile to get agreement," said the NIIRTA executive, (pictured).
As warnings of Christmas mayhem were issued by consumers groups and other businesses, the Deputy Leader of the Communications Workers' Union (CWU) has called for Royal Mail to change its direction.
Dave Ward said the call for strike action in a ballot involving 3,500 thousand workers in Northern Ireland had come as a result of the "imposition" of changes to working practices as well as cuts in their pay and job losses.
Limited regional action has already taken place - with the Carrickfergus Mail Depot among those taking 24-hour action - but a UK-wide strike as Christmas approaches could only bring misery for small businesses.
The union will now have to give seven days notice of a strike, raising the threat of industrial action across the country by the end of the month, just two years after the last national stoppage.
The Royal Mail accused the CWU of "again" tearing up the agreement reached in 2007 at the end of another dispute - and also disputer that a majority of staff had actually backed action - as many are not in the union and unable to vote.
See: Carrick Hit By Postal Strike
See: Vote For UK Mail Strike Questioned
(BMcC/GK)
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Economy Minister Urges Businesses To 'Grasp The Opportunities'
The Windsor Framework protects the all-Ireland economy and "cross-border trade is surging", Economy Minister Conor Murphy has a trade conference. Speaking to more than 300 business and trade delegates at the Newry and Dundalk Chambers' Annual Cross-Border Conference which focused on 'Building a Sustainable All-Island Economy'.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
