violent postmen

[Petrolpetal]

It seems South Africa's postal workers may not quite fit the kindly image of the jolly postman - there have been 167 reported incidents of serious strike related violence since the postal strike started 11 weeks ago. But the strike may soon be over - the union had dropped its demand to a 7.5 % wage increase which the post office is amendable to - but there are 2 remaining issues - backpay (ie: when the increase is to be implemented from) and also the post office's commitment to making permanent the thousands of casual workers they employ as de facto permanent workers but without any of the associated benefits and job security. Also there is going to be a commission of enquiry into corruption and mismanagement at the post office (separate to the strike issue). Interesting stuff ( for me anyway!)

[Petrolpetal]

Oh! That is priceless! I hadn't seen the new stamps yet!!

[FinnBadger]

I assume the South African Post Office sees the irony in their latest stamp issue for World Post Day.

http://www.postoffice.co.za/group/philately/2014/postofficepeople.html

"This year, the South African Post Office marks World Post Day with a set of five stamps to recognise and honour their staff. The stamps highlight the jobs done by those people who work behind the scenes to make sure the mail is delivered “whatever it takes”."

Hopefully the strike is closer to resolution - sounds like you will, one day, have a postal bonanza.

[xx Jones]

I have something for you ready to post, but then I read your message. I think I will hang on till the strike is over :-(

[Petrolpetal]

Thanks! I am all but salivating at the prospect of receiving all my mail at once when they start to clear out those warehouses full of unprocessed mail!

[Carina]

I hope this difficult period will soon be over... and you get your mail, Petrolpetal...