'Success' at Copperas Hill as mail delivery and collection staff strike today.

A FRESH wave of postal strikes was announced as Merseyside's postal workers enter the second day of their strike. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) last night announced further walk-outs starting next Thursday.

It is not yet known how long they will last.

Delivery and collection workers are due to strike today with 1,800 staff expected to down tools across Liverpool and the Wirral.

But it was employees at Copperas Hill who led the way yesterday when dozens stood outside the doors of Liverpool's postal headquarters.

Their strike was accompanied by dozens of Royal Mail drivers honking their horns in encouragement.

Postal workers walked out over jobs, pay and modernisation changes.

Union leaders blame business secretary Lord Mandelson and Royal Mail chiefs for failing to reach a deal.

Mark Walsh, general secretary of the Merseyside branch of the CWU, said: "No-one crossed the picket line outside Copperas Hill except management and a few unaffected staff.

"The workers weren't pleased to be out on strike but were pleased with how it went. At Copperas Hill, there has been no communication from management and no negotiation.

"They have already made the decision to move this centre to Warrington.

"Morale is as low as ever. Our postmen deal with complaints every day of the week."

Finnish postal worker Mikko Hakkinen delivered a letter of support from his country's Post and Logistics Union (PAU).

It said: "I wish success to our sisters and brothers in their battle here today."

Postie Paul Edwards, who has worked in Copperas Hill for 15 years, said: "We're often asked how long this will last, but we'd go back tomorrow if management would talk to us."

CAPTION(S):

Striking Royal Mail staff stand outside Liverpool''s Copperas Hill sorting office