Festive strike fears at Royal Mail as 97% back walkout

ROYAL MAIL workers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action — raising the threat of walkouts in the run-up to Christmas.

Members of the Communication Workers Union backed action over job security and conditions by 97 per cent after a strong turnout saw almost 76 per cent take part in the ballot.

Strike dates have yet to be announced but Black Friday and the Christmas post may be targeted.

The union accused Royal Mail bosses of breaking an agreement reached last year over issues including plans to reduce the working week, raise pay and reform pensions.

It added that the prospect of the first national postal strike in a decade now ‘looms large’.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: ‘This result sends a clear message to Royal Mail Group — our members will not stand by as you rip up their terms and conditions and destroy the service they give to the public and businesses of the UK.

‘We urge Royal Mail to now enter serious negotiations with this union. We also call on the public to get behind this dispute and your postal workers.’

He said the company’s chief executive Rico Back should consider his position following the ‘historic’ vote, in which about 110,000 members of the CWU were balloted. For its next move the union will look at ‘what gives us the most leverage’, Mr Ward added.

Royal Mail said it was ‘very disappointed’ that the CWU had chosen to ballot for industrial action but added it was still ‘in mediation’ with the union.

‘We want to reach agreement,’ the company said.