Royal Mail insists Cupar postie won't be re-instated despite wider strike ballot

Members of the Communication Workers Union in the KK, KY and EH postcode areas are set to be balloted later this month with a view to taking industrial action in support of Dave, who was dismissed amid allegations of stealing mail.

No evidence was ever found and Royal Mail has twice been told by a tribunal judge to give him his job back.

Dave’s colleagues in Cupar have twice walked out and now action could spread to some 3000 postal workers.

Responding to the latest development, a Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail is still hopeful of finding a resolution with our union and our people on this local issue to ensure that customers do not face any disruption.

“Our customers also expect Royal Mail to do everything in its power to protect the mail we are entrusted to deliver. Following an investigation Royal Mail considered there to be reasonable grounds to suspect wrongdoing in relation to test postal items and Mr Mitchell was dismissed.

“We will not reinstate Mr Mitchell, as we believe that the trust between employee and employer has completely broken down. As we feel unable to reinstate Mr Mitchell, the judge ordered Royal Mail to pay additional compensation, which Mr Mitchell has now received. The legal proceedings have now concluded.

“It is also relevant to note the judge’s comments. In the original judgement he stated: “In a case like this I am not in any way attempting to determine the claimant’s guilt or innocence.”