Postal workers across the north, north-east and islands to strike today for a ‘dignified, proper pay rise’

115,000 postal workers across the country will come out in strike today, as they continue to make a call for a  “dignified, proper pay rise”.

Members of the Communication Workers Union – which represents Royal Mail Group workers – will bring mail deliveries to a standstill, as it continues its .

The decision follows the union’s ballot for strike action over pay, which saw members vote by 97.6% on a 77% turnout to take action.

Strikes across the region

Postal workers will have picket lines across the region, including in Inverness, Aberdeen and Oban.

The union is demanding that Royal Mail Group make an adequate pay award that covers the current cost of living increases for our members.

Management imposed a 2% pay rise on employees, who were classified as key workers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, through executive action earlier this summer.

In an economic climate where inflation looks set to soar to 18% by January 2023, the imposition would lead to a dramatic reduction in workers’ living standards.

CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “There can be no doubt that postal workers are completely united in their determination to secure the dignified, proper pay rise they deserve.

“When Royal Mail bosses are raking in £758 million in profit and shareholders pocketing in excess of £400 million, our members won’t accept pleads of poverty from the company.

“Postal workers won’t meekly accept their living standards being hammered like this any longer, and the leadership of Royal Mail must recognise this sooner rather than later.

“Our members deserve a pay rise that rewards their fantastic achievements in keeping the country connected during the pandemic, but also helps them keep up during this current economic crisis.

“We won’t be backing down until we get just that.”