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Telecoms and postal workers from all across south Wales have gathered in Cardiff’s Central Square in a protest over pay. The industrial action coincides with the first of two days of BT and Openreach strikes, and the first of 18 days of Royal Mail walkouts.
During the action senior union reps from the Communication Workers Union and other unions addressed a crowd of over 100 people, comprised mainly of striking BT and Openreach workers as well as Royal Mail staff. One speaker said: “We can’t accept it and will not accept it. The system is rigged against working people. BT, the RMT, teachers, nurses… need to work together.”
One man at the protest told WalesOnline workers were resorting to food banks, including one in the BT buildings. He said: “It’s important to send a message to BT and Openreach that we won’t stand by with this corporate greed and the rich getting richer. BT are increasing their prices. It’s not like they’re not making money they’re just distributing it to the wrong people.
“We’ve got workers having to use food banks including ones in the BT buildings. They call it a community pantry but it’s a food bank.”
Read more:I asked people on the streets how they’re coping and was met with terrified voices
The BT strikes will go ahead today and next Monday, while there will be 18 days of Royal Mail strikes through to December. Another worker said: “If BT don’t come to the negotiating table there’ll be more action and longer strike days. Its unacceptable that they aren’t talking to the CWU, a sign of arrogance and neglect.” Along with flags and banners, attendees also sported ‘Show racism the red card placards’ in what has been described as one of the biggest strike days of the year.
The CWU has accused Royal Mail chief executive Simon Thompson of side-stepping talks aimed at avoiding strike action. The union said that in recent weeks, relations between worker and employer have deteriorated, with Royal Mail serving legal notice that it was withdrawing from existing agreements with the CWU, as well as threatening to cut 10,000 jobs following strike action last week.
(Image: Ben Summer)
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. 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.”
Addressing industrial action previously, a BT Group spokesperson said: “We know that our colleagues are dealing with the impacts of high inflation and, whilst we respect the right of colleagues to take industrial action, we are profoundly disappointed that the CWU is prepared to take this reckless course of action by including 999 services in strikes.
“We will do whatever it takes to protect 999 services – redeploying our people to the most important priority is a normal part of BT Group operations.
“We made the best pay award we could in April and we have held discussions with the CWU to find a way forward from here. In the meantime, we will continue to work to minimise any disruption and keep our customers and the country connected”.
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