CWU chief Dave Ward joins Southend Royal Mail strike

Royal Mail workers and university lecturers continued their 48-hour walkout today amid a long running dispute over pay, pensions, jobs and conditions.

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Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) first walked out on Thursday, with more action planned in the coming weeks.

CWU Royal Mail picket line this morning (Image: Gaz de Vere)

A picket line outside the Southend Delivery Office and Mail Centre in Short Street.

Dave Ward, general secretary of the CWU joined workers on a picket line outside the Southend Delivery Office and Mail Centre in Short Street, having spoken at an Enough is Enough rally at the Palace Theatre last night.

Short Street Royal Mail centre (Image: Gaz de Vere)

The CWU has rejected Royal Mail’s final offer and is pressing ahead with more strikes, including on Christmas Eve.

A CWU spokesperson said: “Millions of customers and thousands of small businesses rely on the quality services Royal Mail workers provide at Christmas.

CWU Royal Mail picket line this morning (Image: Gaz de Vere)

“But Royal Mail bosses are ignoring those responsibilities and ploughing ahead with plans which would wreck the livelihoods of their entire workforce.

“We call on the government, media and all small businesses to demand that Royal Mail takes a mature approach to this dispute.

Dave Ward addresses the crowd (Image: Gaz de Vere)

“Thousands of workers aren’t striking at Christmas for fun – they want to reach an agreement.

“But they won’t be walked all over and have their lives ruined by the reckless, careless behaviour of the employer.

“Until Royal Mail sees some sense, this dispute will carry on.”

CWU Royal Mail picket line this morning (Image: Gaz de Vere)

Responding to CWU claims about how postal workers were being treated, a Royal Mail spokesman said: “We have a zero tolerance to any form of bullying or harassment.

“Over the last four months we have witnessed some awful behaviours on the picket line, including allegations of racist and sexist behaviour.

UCU members are also on strike (Image: Gaz de Vere)

“In each instance we have taken swift action to appropriately discipline the individuals involved.

“We encourage anyone with concerns to come forward – we have a confidential whistleblowing process in place and will support any colleague who comes forward.”

University and College Union (UCU) members are also undertaking a 24-hour strike.