The Communication Workers
Union strike began at 4am on Thursday 29 October with further
24-hour strikes due to take place on 30 and 31 October.
The CLA said that rural dwellers were far more reliant on postal
delivery being maintained because there were fewer post offices,
fewer courier services and a lack of access to broadband in the
countryside.
Douglas Chalmers, director CLA North, said that Royal Mail had
suggested there would be a greater chance of post being collected
from Post Offices than post boxes.
"This is all very well if you still have a Post Office in the
neighbourhood.
"And of course, where rural areas cannot access fast, affordable
broadband, using the internet for business purposes is simply not
an option," said Mr Chalmers.
"The timing of this strike means that many rural businesses will
be cut off at the worst possible time.
"Orders and cheques will be held up, causing disappointment and
frustration and damaging already fragile cash flows. Food producers
and suppliers should be marketing and taking orders for Christmas -
their busiest time of the year," Mr Chalmers said.
The postal strike is also likely to disrupt delivery of
Farmers Weekly to subscribers.
Efforts have been made to investigate alternative distribution
methods but they depend on Royal Mail for the final delivery.
Farmers Weekly will be producing digital versions of the whole
magazine, including all content and advertising, during the dispute
period.
At this stage, it is not clear what the full implications of the
strike will be for the magazine, but we apologise to readers in
advance for any delays experienced.
The digital version will be available by email to all
subscribers who provide us with an email address and subscriber
number.
Simply look out your subscriber number which is an eight-digit
number above your name and address on the plastic cover of the
magazine. Then call 01444 445 577 or email
rbi.subscriptions@quadrantsubs.com.