Royal Mail prepares to tear up union agreement in battle to cut costs

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “While our competitors work seven days a week, delivering until 10pm to meet customer demand, the CWU want to work fewer hours, six days a week, starting earlier and finishing earlier. 

“Their plans to transform Royal Mail come with a £1billion price tag, are predicated on a wholly unrealistic revival in letter writing, and prevent Royal Mail from growing, and remaining competitive, in a fast-moving industry. 

“The CWU’s vision for Royal Mail would create a vicious spiral of falling volumes, higher prices, bigger losses, and fewer jobs.

“We cannot cling to outdated working practices, ignoring technological advancements and pretending that Covid has not significantly changed what the public wants from Royal Mail.  The change we need is the change the public demand of us.”

Dave Ward, general secretary of the CWU, accused Royal Mail of trying to “level down” the company. 

He said: “We are not surprised by this and we will not be fazed by it either. We are up for this fight and we are confident the public will support us.

“Royal Mail wants to change the whole basis of what the company is about. The board’s proposals will turn it into just another parcel courier – they are about abandoning the universal service obligation and making as much profit as possible.

“We think they are taking liberties, not just with our members but also the public, and that is why we are taking strike action.”