Royal Mail boss forced to use security escort as strikes turn ugly

The Royal Mail CEO has been forced to deploy a security escort after violence broke out on strikers’ pickets.

Simon Thompson is believed to have engaged security to protect him as he travels through Royal Mail sorting offices and other sites.

Mr Thompson said over the summer that he would normally try to accompany the postmen at least one round a week.

It’s clear his security detail was introduced after a long-running dispute between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) turned ugly in recent weeks.

Police are investigating reports of violence and harassment by striking staff, such as the alleged headbutt of a worker, as well as claims that workers crossing picket lines were followed and videotaped.

Royal Mail said earlier this month that more than 100 allegations of violence and assault, harassment, threatening and grossly abusive behaviour, criminal damage and vandalism have been reported since the start of the CWU labor campaign in August.

About 70 of the allegations involve CWU representatives, the company claimed, and 35 cases have now been reported to police. A total of 20 CWU representatives have been suspended.

Mr Thompson, the former executive of Ocado and Apple who took over as boss of Royal Mail in January 2021, has been the target of union anger over plans to reform working methods.

Signs reading “Thompson out” have appeared on picket lines across the country after around 100,000 postal workers walked out in the biggest dispute since Royal Mail was privatized in 2013.

Opposition MPs gathered behind the CWU on Wednesday during National Postal Workers’ Day ahead of the union’s latest 48-hour strike that begins Dec. 23.

Peter Dowd, Tulip Siddiq and Afzal Khan of Labor were among those who expressed support for the striking union.

Meanwhile, Daniel Kretinsky, the “Czech Sphinx” investor who is Royal Mail’s largest shareholder, took advantage of the parent company’s low share price by adding to his stake, according to a stock exchange filing.

Mr Kretinsky’s Vesa Equity increased his stake in the company from 22.1pc to 23.2pc – an additional stake worth around £23m.

Royal Mail declined to comment on Mr Thompson’s security details.