Royal Mail strike could hit during peak after union vote

Delivery during peak period this year may be impacted by a Royal Mail strike after workers in a major union voted overwhelmingly for industrial action.

Royal Mail workers in the Communication Workers Union (CWU) voted by 97.1% to strike while workers of subsidiary Parcelforce also supported the strike in two separate votes with support of around 95%.

The union leadership did not rule out striking during November’s Black Friday or the Christmas season.

The dispute centres on the “Four Pillars” deal reached between the CWU and Royal Mail last year which included pay rises and reductions in working time. The CWU accuses Royal Mail of breaking this agreement.

Royal Mail said in a statement it was “disappointed” at the strike action.

It said that the vote did not necessarily mean there would be industrial action and emphasised that it was still in mediation with the union.

“We want to reach agreement. There are no grounds for industrial action. Industrial action – or the threat of it – is damaging for our business and undermines the trust of our customers.

“Royal Mail wants to transform to meet our customers’ changing needs as we post fewer letters and receive more parcels.

“Working together at pace, the transformation is about ensuring a more sustainable Company, a fairer working environment, the best terms and conditions in our industry and a contemporary Universal Service.”