Post Office workers took part in a fourth round of strike action yesterday as their battle to protect jobs, pay and branch closures continues.

East Finchley Crown Post Office in High Road was closed all day while Communications Workers Union collected signatures of support for its ongoing dispute with the Post Office.

The national postal chain wants to move 70 branches into shops as it attempts to stem £40million annual losses. Included in the plans are the East Finchley branch in High Road and the Crown Post Office in Darkes Lane, Potters Bar.

CWU says the proposals place nearly 20 per cent of the UK Crown Office Network under threat, putting one job in five at risk.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “Our members have again overwhelmingly supported strike action against the Post Office’s closure and franchise plans and in support of a pay rise. The rejection of the Post Office’s position is unshaken and is bolstered by fantastic support from customers and communities which value post offices.”

Thousands of Post Office workers walked out at across all 373 Crown Post Offices yesterday after 88 per cent of staff voted in favour of taking strike action.

Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at the Post Office said: “Our plans are crucial to keeping Post Office branches on high streets across the UK and halting the Crown network’s £40m a year loss of public money. 

“Every hour of strike action is causing disruption for our customers and costing our people money in the face of an offer of a cash payment of up to £1400 which can be in pay packets as soon as this action ends.”