London post workers start strike

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Postal workers in London have begun a three-day strike in a row over jobs and pay cuts.

The walkout, by an estimated 12,000 members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), will continue on Monday and Tuesday.

The union said Royal Mail was cutting jobs and pay against a national agreement which it said was affecting postal services.

Royal Mail insisted the union stood in the way of modernisation.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson angered union leaders when he said they were guilty of a "bury your head in the sand" attitude.

However, Martin Walsh, the union's London divisional representative, said Royal Mail had turned down an offer of talks, claiming the company was being controlled by the government.

"We are up for change but we are not prepared to let management or the government rubbish a great public service just so they can sell it."

The CWU's last three day strike ended on 10 July.