Maginness demands equal pay for Derry postal workers

Thursday 7 May 2009

SDLP European Election candidate Alban Maginness has demanded equally pay rights for Derry postal workers after learning they are to be paid less than workers in Belfast and elsewhere to deliver postal communications.

SDLP European Election candidate Alban Maginness has demanded equally pay rights for Derry postal workers after learning they are to be paid less than workers in Belfast and elsewhere to deliver postal communications.

Mr Maginness said: "It is an absolute scandal that postal workers in Derry and the North-West are to be paid less than their counterparts elsewhere in the North to deliver election material.

"This is a situation that has developed in the past and it would appear that no lessons have been learned from previous episodes.

"I will be seeking an urgent meeting with union officials to discuss this matter.

"The SDLP will have no hesitation in withdrawing our postal communications from Royal Mail in this area unless there is a satisfactory outcome.

"Equality and standing up for the rights of workers are integral parts of SDLP policy and will be top of my priority in the European Parliament.

"I am visiting Derry on Friday and will be happy to meet any of the postal workers caught up in this debacle."

ENDS