The offensive follows the announcement in June that branded Post Office counters would be tested in six WHSmith stores in a three-year contract. The counters will handle standard Post Office functions such as pensions and bureau de change.
The Post Office said it is considering franchises because its 500 standalone outlets are commercially unviable amd losing£50 million a year.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said the deal will lead to the loss of 124 jobs in the Greater Manchester and South Wales area and is encouraging local residents to boycott the retailer's stores.
Post Office workers are balloting for strike action to take place later this month. A national day of protest against WHSmith has been organised for Saturday August 19.
CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said: 'Valuable public services and skilled staff are being lost to inexperienced retailers that refuse to take Post Office employees. WHSmith has no history of providing the sort of services that the Post Office supplies.'
Speaking when the deal was announced in June, a WHSmith spokeswoman said: 'Both brands are well-trusted and the product category and service complement each other.'
The CWU issued strike ballot papers to its members yesterday and the result is expected on August 23.
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