Posties threaten further strike action

Thousands of Christmas cards and parcels may not be delivered on time with postal
workers threatening to take further strike action.
Up to 20,000 Australia Post workers walked off the job on Wednesday, disrupting mail
services nationwide.
The union representing postal workers says it's determined to strike again, despite
Australia Post's offer to meet with them and discuss their demands.
The Communications, Electrical, Plumbing Union (CEPU) wants a new workplace
agreement that protects penalty shifts, rosters and take-home pay and improves
workplace safety.
It has rejected an offer of a four per cent pay increase, 14 weeks paid maternity
leave and no forced redundancies.
Australia Post spokesman Alex Twomey says the CEPU is determined to interfere with
the Christmas mail, with strike actioned planned for the 22nd and 23rd of December.
"The union has refused to do the right thing by the public and call off next week's
planned strike," he said in a statement on Saturday.
"The public have every right to be angry."
Australia Post says a contingency plan to minimise disruption is in place, and only
one quarter of staff are expected to participate in the work stoppages.