Glasgow list MSP throws support behind postal workers in mail dispute

A Glasgow list MSP has thrown her support behind postal workers in their dispute with mail bosses.

Scottish Labour’s Pam Duncan Glancy MSP has now written to Royal Mail urging the postal service to reconsider proposed jobs cuts due that are slated for next year.

In her letter the Glasgow MSP, which covers Rutherglen, told the Royal Mail Chief Executive, Simon Thompson that she is “disappointed” in Royal Mail’ dealings unions.

She has now urged the company to accept the union’s request to hold discussions in the hope of finding an alternative business plan.

Earlier this month Royal Mail announced that it would be cutting 10,000 jobs in 2023 following projections that it will be facing a full year operating loss of around £350 million, which bosses have blamed on ongoing strikes by members of the CWU.

The CWU argue that the Royal Mail scrapped previous agreements and has begun to impose changes to key principles without negotiation or agreement from workers. They are also demanding a pay raise for their members which fully addresses the current cost of living crisis.

Ms Duncan-Glancy said: “The CWU have my full support, I stand by the workers, and I am disappointed at the way in which the Royal Mail have handled this dispute.

“It has failed to properly engage with the union, leaving valuable workers, including many across Cambuslang and Rutherglen, unsure about whether they will have a job in a years’ time.

“Postal Workers keep us connected, and they continued to do so even through covid. They have valuable relationships with their communities and that will be threatened if these cuts are to go ahead.

“Royal Mail need to get round the table and reconsider. These proposed job cuts must be abandoned, and an alternative solution found that protects workers, customers and Royal Mail itself.”

The strikes are currently set to continue throughout November and into December.