The workers at the sorting office that covers much of the South West were subjected to days of intense intimidation in order to compel them to deliver the racist literature. Each worker was interviewed separately about their political beliefs and questioned on reasons why they should refuse to deliver such obvious racist and inflammatory material. Some were threatened with suspension and many were misled about their rights concerning the delivery of mail, with one postal worker describing managers as acting like "cheerleaders for the BNP".

The refusal to deliver post, under certain circumstances, is legal under the 'conscience clause' agreed by Royal Mail and Communication Workers Union (CWU). The clause states "delivery will be secured by the individual due to undertake the particular delivery, local management will deal sympathetically with requests to deviate from this arrangement. Such cases may arise as a result of personal circumstances or beliefs……’

This is not the first time Bridgwater postal workers have taken such action. Back in 2004 they was a similar dispute concerning the delivery of BNP election leaflets. Royal Mail has honoured its obligations in the past, and it is not clear why local managers are willing to break the clause now.

One theory is it is part of a renewed attempt to divide the workforce who have a history of militant action. Bridgwater workers have been solid in their support of industrial action over working conditions going back many years. Back in 2002 an indefinite wildcat strike won them concessions over a shorter working week, overtime rates and an end to management bullying. There was a strike late last year over the replacement of full time with part time workers, as was there in 2007 for similar reasons. Ironically the only person to cross the picket line was a former BNP activist expelled from the CWU.

The BNP have spent a considerable amount of money on propaganda for the up and coming Euro elections on June 4 in the hope of gaining seats at the European Parliament and cementing a long standing relationship with other fascist parties like Front National in France and the Forza Nuova in Italy. Militant anti-fascists have been campaigning throughout the country to prevent the BNP spreading their message and securing their first European seat.

So far a third of the 120 Bridgwater workforce has refused to deliver the literature. Union officials put this down to the campaign of fear and intimidation by managers at the sorting office.

[This article appears in the last edition of Freedom Newspaper]