Further postal strike likely

The collapse of talks over pay and conditions could result in another strike for postal workers. However, Royal Mail plans to proceed with changes in shift times that will pave the way for the launch of new sorting equipment and thousands of job losses.

Royal Mail management are certain that the 6.7% 2-year pay offer is satisfactory to the majority of workers and are prepared to call the union’s bluff, proceeding with its modernisation plans. It is convinced that the will for strike action will weaken and postal workers will vote with their feet and disregarding the strike calls.

In August, the Communication Workers Union cancelled a series of one-day strikes and both parties promised to talk until a settlement was reached. Following 3 weeks of negotiation, the initial 2% annual pay offer was increase, but union negotiators scrapped the deal because of the alterations in working practices that were attached.

Over the last year, Royal Mail has ‘lost’ 2.5 billion business letters, 1 in 8 to rivals.

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