Postal workers go on strike in dispute over pay

POSTIES who were hailed as heroes after working through the pandemic walked out on strike yesterday (Wednesday) over a pay rise dispute. Communication Workers Union (CWU) picket lines were in place outside depots in Hampstead, Kentish Town, Camden Town, Kilburn and St John’s Wood.

Royal Mail’s top bosses claim they are losing £1million each day and can only afford a 2 per cent pay offer that has been rejected by the CWU. The union says more is needed for low-paid workers to cope with rising food and energy bills.

At the Kilburn depot, rep Simon Wild said: “Royal Mail has this narrative about losing one million pounds a day. “If that’s the case, why are the CEO and CFO receiving millions in bonuses? Why is it workers that take the brunt?”

Mr Wild said there was 100 per cent union membership at the Kilburn and St John’s Wood depots, both based in Coventry Close.

“This strike is about a pay deal,” he said.

“But it’s also worth saying that we worked through the pandemic while all the shareholders and top boys were sitting in their homes.

“At the beginning of Covid we had very little PPE. But we worked when most of the country needed things delivered when people couldn’t go to shops. Two or three old ladies on my round, they still ask me if I want a cup of tea or a bit of fruit. I knock on doors to check people are all right. I go to the shop for people.

“One lady on my round, she gave me £10 for my daughter to go on holiday. I don’t think Royal Mail appreciate how much connection there is with people who walk down the street.”

He added: “Everyone is affected by the cost of living. We’re not special. But we do have the strongest union in the country to fight our cause for us.”

The strike was called by the CWU after 96 per cent of members backed it with a 77 per cent turnout. The strike will delay deliveries of post and packages and special deliveries.

The Royal Mail’s chief executive, Simon Thompson, told the BBC on Friday: “Our reality is that the Covid bubble has burst, and we can see the economic situation around us all. And our reality today is we are losing £1m a day.”

Royal Mail staff are also planning further strikes on September 8 and 9.