Related Articles
Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1077/30422
From The Socialist newspaper, 11 March 2020
Royal Mail workers in the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) supporting a ‘yes’ vote in a reballot for strike action, Leicester Meridian, photo Steve Score (Click to enlarge)
Socialist Party members in CWU
Almost 110,000 postal workers are currently balloting for strike action to force Royal Mail to honour the ‘Four Pillars’ agreement over pay, pensions, workplace bullying and a shorter working week.
Postal workers up and down the country are taking part in gate meetings and mass Yes votes, queuing up to post their ballot papers. The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) and its members are determined to win the ballot – again – after the disgraceful actions of unelected high court judges who ruled a 97% record-breaking Yes vote for industrial action illegal last year.
Management have told the CWU that it is going to push through its changes and smash the ‘Four Pillars’ national agreement to pieces, declaring all-out war with the union. It’s clear that management has become confident with the election of the Boris Johnson government, and believes that now is the time to take us on.
But workers are drawing confidence from the huge vote for Yes last time, and the mass, determined campaign to win the ballot again this time.
Job losses
Our members are prepared for the fight of our lives. We are facing job losses on an unprecedented scale, with 40,000 job losses likely.
It’s also very clear to the membership that we will need serious action as management is forcing change all around the country. This must be met at the very least with a 48-hour stoppage as a first step, which can then be built on.
One rep says: “I have voted Yes because I support my union but also because I know now more than ever my job is at risk.
If you don’t vote, then Royal Mail will claim they speak for you. CEO Rico Back and his £6 million golden hello will speak for you. Let’s not be silenced. Vote now and vote Yes. There is too much at stake. Let’s make history.”
The ballot closes 17 March.
The Socialist Party sends solidarity to the CWU and postal workers. We say all out to win the Royal Mail strike reballot and renationalise Royal Mail!
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 11 March 2020:
Coronavirus
Coronavirus: Full NHS funding now
Coronavirus infects the world economy
Flybe collapse: nationalise to save jobs threatened by Covid-19 and downturn
Coronavirus: international cooperation needed, not capitalist competition
Supermarkets are ruled by profit – unions should control supply limits
For full pay during isolation: for public health as well as workers’ wallets
Self-isolation patients speak: NHS facilities and advice not up to it
Italy on lockdown: lack of resources and democracy causes panic
South Korea shows capitalism has money to respond to coronavirus
Coronavirus news in brief
News
Domestic Violence bill: We still need to fight to save our services
News in brief
Workplace news
Postal workers mobilise to win strike reballot
Homerton Hospital workers fight for sick pay
Fighting to transform the union in my warehouse
Argos workers in Sainsbury’s stores threatened with losing collective bargaining
Homeless charity workers to strike against intransigent management
Southampton trade unionists say “defend the right to strike!”
Strong support for PCS Broad Left Network
East London uni and bin worker strikes
US election
How can Trump be ousted from the White House?
Campaigns and party news
Salford ‘no-cuts’ budget includes cuts and tax rises
Stoke council unions beat pay cuts – now let’s stop all cuts
Is there an anti-cuts rebellion in Scotland?
Socialist Party joins International Women’s Day protests
Housing workers explain reality to idiot Boris Johnson
Swansea: Ask anyone about state of services, you will hear the real story
Camarthenshire: Councillors’ ‘walk of shame’
Student occupation in support of striking workers
Selling the Socialist
Socialist Party executive committee positions
International news
Greece-Turkey border refugee crisis
Women’s and trans rights
Women’s rights, trans rights and the labour movement
Readers’ opinion
Film: Greed directed by Michael Winterbottom
Childcare – costly, inadequate and hard work
Book: Why you should be a trade unionist by Unite general secretary Len McCluskey
The Socialist Inbox
Home
|
Subscribe
| Donate
| Audio | PDF | ebook
