More workers join post strikes

More postal workers joined an unofficial strike as the Royal Mail started sealing post-boxes because of a mounting backlog of letters.

Workers in Swindon, Slough and Gravesend took wildcat action, taking the number of postmen and women on strike to more than 20,000 across the country.

The Government was urged to intervene in the dispute, which is costing the Royal Mail millions of pounds and causing huge problems for businesses.

Malcolm Bruce, the Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokesman, said "urgent arbitration" was needed to resolve the escalating row.

He wrote to Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt calling on her to act to end the "deeply damaging" dispute.

"Accusations between management and employees appear to becoming increasingly bitter clearly suggesting that urgent arbitration is required.

"Legislation should be introduced to require compulsory arbitration in cases where the critical national infrastructure of the country or essential public services are threatened."

Talks between the Royal Mail and Communication Workers Union officials will resume later after being adjourned with little sign of a breakthrough.

The Royal Mail started sealing some of London's 20,000 post-boxes for the first time in several years.

Most post-boxes in the capital are expected to be affected by early next week if the dispute continues.

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