About 150 Medway postal workers are considering strike action over claims four of their colleagues were unfairly dismissed.

Staff at the Royal Mail sorting office in Rochester High Street are considering a ballot to take industrial action after a breakdown with management.

One worker, who did not wish to be named, said: “Feelings are running high and there is a lot of dissent. This not about money – it’s about people.”

It is alleged the workers, who have been described as long-term employees, were suspended for leaving parcels on doorsteps or outhouses if there was no reply.

The proposed action, which could affect deliveries across the ME postcode area, is being organised by the Kent Invicta Branch of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents staff in the postal and communications industry.

Before any action is taken, a ballot has to be carried and an employer must be given one month’s notice of the start of the vote.

David Banbury, CWU branch secretary, said: “The CWU members in the Royal Mail delivery office in Rochester have requested a ballot for strike action due to the dismissal of a number of members of staff at the office.

“The CWU and Royal Mail management are working hard to try and resolve the issues in line with the internal procedures without the recourse to strike action.

“At this point, no decision has been made on whether or not a strike ballot will be actioned.”

Royal Mail spokesman Sally Hopkins said: “Royal Mail is fully committed to resolving the concerns of postal workers in Rochester to avoid any industrial action, which only hurts our customers and our business.

“We are working with CWU representatives and are hopeful we will be able to achieve this.”