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Royal Mail has warned customers about this “services will be affected” by postal workers going on strike over wages, job security and working conditions in succession, adding that the strikes are “likely to cause some disruption” in the run-up to Christmas.
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) formally notified Royal Mail of the November strikes last month and confirmed six new strike dates in December on 17 November.
The postal service apologized to customers, saying that while it has “well-developed contingency plans,” it is unable to “completely replace the day-to-day efforts of our frontline staff.”
“We will do what we can to keep services running, but we regret that this planned strike is likely to cause some disruption,” the company said on its website.
Here’s everything you need to know about Royal Mail staff strikes.
Why are Royal Mail staff on strike?
Postmen are on strike over a long-running and worsening dispute over wages and working conditions.
CWU general secretary Dave Ward previously said: “Postmen are in the fight of their lives against Royal Mail’s Uberisation and the destruction of their terms.
“But 115,000 of our members will not accept this war on their livelihoods and their industry easily.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “On Monday 31 October, Royal Mail made a new pay-for-change offer to the CWU worth nine per cent over two years, despite a loss of £219m in the first half of the year .
Mail strikes threaten to hit Black Friday and Cyber Monday
(PA wire)
“The CWU has been talking to us at Acas claiming they are open to change, but they have to show it now.
“Instead, the CWU has announced four days of strike action that will further hurt our business at our busiest time of the year.
“The CWU is playing a dangerous game with its members’ jobs and the future of Royal Mail.
“We are urging CWU to withdraw these strikes for the good of our customers and our people.
“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience that the CWU’s continued strike action will cause.
“We are doing everything we can to minimize delays and keep people, businesses and the country connected.”
When are the strikes?
Friday December 23
Saturday December 24
What do strikes mean for deliveries?
On strike days, Royal Mail has said there are likely to be disruptions and staff will not deliver any letters, with the exception of those sent by special delivery, but it cannot guarantee they will arrive.
It will also prioritize the delivery of Covid test kits and medical prescriptions where possible.
Royal Mail said staff will not deliver letters on strike days
(PA wire)
Will it affect the Christmas mail?
Royal Mail has not confirmed or denied whether strike action will affect its Christmas mail, but it is likely given there are six more days of strikes leading up to December 25.
It has urged customers to ship items as early as possible before strike dates to avoid disruption.
For UK deliveries, the latest postal delivery dates before Christmas are:
Monday 19th December for 2nd class mail, 2nd class signed for and Royal Mail 48 services
Wednesday 21 December for 1st class, first class signed for, Royal Mail 24 and Royal Mail tracked 48.
