Strike threat to Christmas mail

postalstrikePostal union bosses are threatening to wreak havoc in the run-up to Christmas after confirming they will hold a ballot for a national strike later this month unless negotiations with Royal Mail bosses make some headway.
The Communications Workers Union has confirmed that unless talks bring agreement by September 20, ballot papers will go out to 125,000 Royal Mail workers.
If posties vote for a strike, the CWU would have to give seven days’ notice to Royal Mail, meaning industrial action would begin on October 10 at the earliest, although in reality it could be later in the month.
The dispute centres on an 8.6% pay rise over three years, changes to the workers’ pension scheme and the impact of privatisation on job security and staff terms and conditions. The union claims a strike is inevitable unless Royal Mail meets the needs of the workforce.
CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward said: “We are dealing with a company that is preparing for privatisation with relish. While the union continues to fight privatisation we are also dealing with the potential realities for workers if there is a change of ownership.
“We are looking to reach a groundbreaking agreement on terms and conditions that sets unprecedented legally binding protection for workers in the event of a sale, and regardless of who owns the company. Postal workers know franchising, break up and sale of mail centres, distribution hubs and Parcelforce, along with the introduction of a new workforce on lower terms and conditions, are real threats in a race to the bottom with mail competitors for any new company.
Royal Mail said it was “very disappointed” that the union had issued a timeline for a national ballot on industrial action, and warned strike action could threaten operations in the run-up to Christmas.
In a statement it added: “Discussions over a new three-year agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU are continuing. We are committed to reaching an agreement with the CWU as soon as possible to give our customers and employees continued stability.”

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2 Comments on "Strike threat to Christmas mail"

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