Are we alone in finding it extraordinary that in 2007 a group of workers can consider balloting for strike action because a colleague has been sacked?

This is a rare occurrence nationally, but we have become used to it in Oxford where Royal Mail workers are once again being balloted on strike action, this time over the sacking of two of their colleagues.

All businesses are required to follow proper procedures when disciplining staff, including having avenues of appeal. Those who feel they have been treated unjustly can also have their cases heard by employment tribunals.

At all stages of this process, a union can be involved in helping and supporting a worker that has been disciplined.

We find it amazing that the Communication Workers Union and Royal Mail cannot sort this out without recourse to strike action.