Union agrees not to block mail trucks

The postal workers' union has agreed to stop the delay of mail trucks and harassment
of workers attempting to cross picket lines at Victorian postal centres.
About a quarter of staff did not show up for work on Wednesday as part of the
ongoing industrial dispute which began on Tuesday evening.
In the federal court on Wednesday, lawyers for Australia Post sought an urgent
injunction to discontinue the alleged abuse and obstruction of trucks by 6pm (AEDT)
to ensure the movement of mail.
They claimed the picket lines breached national workplace laws.
The application singled out union action which blocked mail trucks at centres in
Dandenong, Melbourne Airport, Geelong and Ardeer during the busiest period of the
year.
The Communications Union dismissed claims its members had obstructed trucks or
harassed workers on sites, but said those people responsible had been asked to move
by union delegates.
Counsel for Australia Post rejected the argument, saying the picket was organised
and under the complete control of the union.
In an eleventh-hour move, the union agreed not to prevent access to the postal sites
or abuse people entering Australia Post sites.
It also agreed to notify members at picket lines at Ardeer and Dandenong by 8pm
(AEDT) on Wednesday.
Picket lines at Geelong and the airport had since ceased, the union said.
The hearing has been adjourned until Friday.