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More than 115,000 Royal Mail workers are set to vote on industrial action in a row over pay with union bosses ‘convinced’ staff will vote for action.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will vote on whether to walk out with the result known next month. Ballot papers will go out on June 28.
Terry Pullinger, CWU Deputy General Secretary said in a video posted on Twitter: “Today we will be serving a notice on Royal Mail Group over a pay claim – our claim for an inflation-based, no-strings pay award.
“The company has imposed a 2% pay award, miles away from where inflation is, totally inadequate.”
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It comes as rail workers went on the first day of nationwide strike action over over pay, jobs and conditions.
Mr Pullinger said: “Throughout this entire dispute, Royal Mail management have conducted themselves insultingly and disrespectfully to key workers.
“Their conduct, and particularly the imposition of such an aggressive pay offer, has eroded trust among loyal employees.
“Nobody wants to be in this situation, but our members are heroes.
“We will defend ourselves if provoked – and we are convinced we will receive our biggest ever Yes vote for action.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We believe there are no grounds for industrial action. We offered a deal worth up to 5.5% for CWU grade colleagues, the biggest increase we have offered for many years, which was rejected by the CWU.
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“We have further talks on change with CWU this week. We hope this will ultimately lead to an agreement on the changes required to ensure Royal Mail can grow and remain competitive in a fast-moving industry, securing jobs for the future and retaining our place as the industry leader on pay and terms and conditions.
“We value the work we do with CWU and remain committed to agreeing a deal for tomorrow, not just today.”
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