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Royal Mail, BT and Openreach employees across the UK have walked out over pay and working conditions in one of the largest strikes of the year.
A picket line is in action at the Royal Mail delivery office in Brighton, Sussex on Thursday, with other members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) protesting outside the TUC Congress.
Union leaders at the Congress are set to stage a protest in support of the CWU strikes.
The strike, which is one of 18 walkouts scheduled from October to December, comes as workers have embroiled in long-running rows with Royal Mail, BT and Openreach. Many have already taken strike action in recent weeks.
Protesters allege the demonstrations are ‘not just about pay’ but also about the changes the postal service has recently made.
Royal Mail, BT and Openreach employees across the UK have walked out over pay and working conditions in one of the largest strikes of the year. Members of trade union Unite are pictured in Northern Ireland on Thursday
The strike, which is one of 18 walkouts scheduled from October to December, comes as workers have embroiled in long-running rows with Royal Mail, BT and Openreach. Many have already taken strike action in recent weeks. Strikers are pictured in London on Thursday
Protesters allege the demonstrations are ‘not just about pay’ but also about the changes the postal service has recently made. A protester on the picket line Thursday at the Edinburgh Mail Centre is pictured with a dog
Protester Tom Coles-Rogers, who has worked at Royal Mail for five years, is among those assembled along the picket line in Brighton.
Mr Coles-Rogers said: ‘It’s not just about pay but the terms and conditions – these changes they want to bring in are trying to make Royal Mail unrecognisable and make as much profit as possible.
‘This job is a public service and I’m happy to do that and don’t mind going out in the rain. When I first started people told me ‘work hard and you’ll have a job here for life’ but not any more.’
The CWU accused Royal Mail chief executive Simon Thompson of side-stepping talks aimed at avoiding strike action.
The union claims relations between worker and employer have deteriorated in recent weeks, with Royal Mail serving legal notice that it was withdrawing from existing agreements with the CWU.
The union alleged Royal Mail has also threatened to cut 10,000 jobs following strike action last week.
The union claims relations between worker and employer have deteriorated in recent weeks, with Royal Mail serving legal notice that it was withdrawing from existing agreements with the CWU. Striking workers are pictured at the Royal Mail Dudley Delivery Office
The union alleged Royal Mail has also threatened to cut 10,000 jobs following strike action last week. Striking Royal Mail workers gather on a picket line outside Wandsworth Delivery Office
CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: ‘Instead of sitting down and sorting out his problems like an adult, Simon Thompson chose to be a vanishing act instead.
‘When someone like him earns £62,750 a month and can give himself six-figure bonuses, it is a disgrace that he sees it fit to disrespect our members in such a way.
‘Simon can’t dodge the reality that a mood of rebellion is sweeping postal workers who won’t accept Thompson’s hostile and bizarre behaviour.
‘Postal workers go above and beyond every day and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We won’t be backing down until we get just that.’
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: ‘On Friday, 14 October, we announced losses of £219 million in the first half of the year.
‘This once again demonstrates the urgent need for Royal Mail to change.
‘Further strike action would materially increase our losses for the full year and may necessitate further operational restructuring and job losses.
Members of trade union Unite, currently on their eleventh week of strike action at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, are pictured protesting on Thursday
The CWU has also accused Royal Mail chief executive Simon Thompson of side-stepping talks aimed at avoiding strike action. Two striking workers are pictured on a picket line outside Clapham Delivery Office
Striking Royal Mail workers gather on a picket line outside Wandsworth Delivery Office as they stage a 24-hour industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay
‘Four weeks have passed since we invited the CWU to enter talks with Acas to resolve the change and pay dispute.
‘We once again urge the CWU to join us in Acas talks.
‘This is the only way to reach a resolution and secure Royal Mail’s future and jobs for our people.
‘We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience the CWU’s continued strike action will cause. We are doing all we can to minimise delays and keep people, businesses and the country connected.’
Royal Mail said the CWU’s statement on Simon Thompson’s salary was incorrect, pointing out the correct figure was £525,000.
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