Royal Mail workers on strike over pay

Royal Mail workers are staging a 48-hour walkout over pay and conditions.

Members of the Communications Workers Union are taking industrial action today and tomorrow – with further strikes planned in the run-up to Christmas.

The union said that this week’s walkout involves around 115,000 of its members and is the biggest strike of the year.

Action is also planned for October 13, 20, 25 and November 28 – key dates around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The union said a two per cent pay increase offered by Royal Mail was insulting after the firm made record profits and workers would face a ‘dramatic’ reduction in living standards because of the soaring rate of inflation.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “The CWU’s decision to announce further strike action is placing jobs at risk. Royal Mail is losing £1m a day. Strike action has weakened our financial position and is threatening the long-term job security of our postmen and women.

“The CWU has a responsibility to recognise the reality of the situation Royal Mail faces as a business and to engage urgently on the changes required.”