MAY I suggest that B Gibbs (ViewPoints, June 14) should make himself aware of all the circumstances of the cases of two postal workers who have been sacked before making comments about it being gross misconduct and/or theft.

I agree that if the case is proven without doubt that action should be taken. But as I don’t know the facts, I would not say what that action should be.

If it should get to a ballot on strike action, the members and the union will have to go through a mountain of legal work, just to be able to ballot for a strike. Also it’s not the union which goes on strike, it the members who vote to do so and are supported by their union. If they do vote to strike, then you can be sure there must be a good enough reason for them to do so and lose wages – something most people are very not likely to do unless they feel awfully aggrieved.

As for militancy raising its ugly head, it’s never good when workers feel they have to strike.

Perhaps he should look at the many benefits he now enjoys, through other workers fighting for better terms and condition in earlier years.

Many other workers have lost wages or lives to get these and he is one of the people who now reaps the benefits.

I hope he has never had to take strike action in his work place. I have, but always at a last resort. In the jobs market climate at this time, companies and organizations are looking at ways to reduce workers’ numbers to cut costs, and are attacking their terms and conditions.

Just remember these companies are in business to make money for the shareholders. Perhaps he should have a look at the piece in the Mail’s sister paper, the Witney Gazette, on the Ascott Martyrs, 1873, and the part played by the unions. Maybe he would prefer to go back to those times – I hope not.

DENIS NEWCOMBE, Springfield Oval, Witney