Almost 2,000 Post Office workers are staging a 24-hour strike today in a dispute over an "insulting" pay rise.
The industrial action means 114 Crown Post Offices - those run directly by the Post Office - will be closed for a 24-hour period.
Workers were pictured on picket lines this morning, carrying flags and posters from the Communication Workers Union (CWU).
It comes after members of the CWU voted in favour of industrial action in April over an “exceptionally poor” pay rise - just as the UK rate of inflation hit a new 30-year high of 7%.
The union said the strike is over a pay freeze for 2021 and the offer of a 2% increase from April this year, alongside a £250 one-off lump sum.
The dispute involves counter staff, as well as those in clerical, administration and call centres.
CWU official Andy Furey said: "Despite this union's best attempts to avoid strike action, the Post Office has displayed no interest whatsoever in meaningful negotiations.
"As such, workers have delivered an overwhelming mandate for strike action.
Are you a Post Office worker who is taking part in the strike action today? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
"The current offer of a mere 2% pay rise over two years is nothing short of an insult to these key workers who provided exemplary services to this nation during the pandemic.
"As the cost-of-living crisis mounts, working people across the country are facing stark realities.
"This isn't any less true of Post Office employees, who deserve far better than the degrading offer currently on the table.
"Post Office management need to understand that by undervaluing these workers, they have provoked real anger across the country.
"We urge them to get round the table with us and reach a decent, fair agreement that shows respect for Britain's key workers who kept post offices open for society during the pandemic."
The CWU said all so-called crown post offices will be affected by the walkout as well as smaller sub-post offices.
The Post Office said “the vast majority” of its 11,500 branches will remain open.
A Post Office spokesperson said: "We have been notified by the CWU that they have instructed their members to take strike action on Tuesday May 3.
"We want to assure our customers that the vast majority of our 11,500 branches are unaffected by this decision and will remain open throughout the day.
“There are 114 branches – typically in city centres – across the UK that are directly managed by Post Office.
“Posters are displayed which show where the nearest alternative branches are located.”
