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POSTAL services in Inverclyde could be thrown into chaos due to the prospect of industrial action.
Scores of Royal Mail workers in the district are voting on whether to go on strike later this year as a pay rise dispute intensifies.
Rows between staff and management over pay have been bubbling behind the scenes for months.
As the cost of living crisis has gripped the country, workers have renewed their calls for a meaningful increase in their wages.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU), who represent and support workers of the UK’s main postal service, sent out ballot papers asking their members whether they are willing to go on strike after talks with their employers – which previously offered a set pay increase of two per cent – stalled.
Speaking with the Tele, a local spokesperson for the CWU said: “A two per cent increase in wages is simply not enough.
“Some of our members are struggling to pay their bills, or even to get to work in the first place because of the financial strain placed on them.
“We don’t believe that’s acceptable.
“These workers deserve more after working for a company that made profit during and after the pandemic.
“While higher-ups receive bonuses, those that are on the frontline doing the job are missing out on fair compensation.
“Moreover, there seems to be no help from the UK Government, which says people across the country will need to deal with uncomfortable side effects of financial strain.
“Those being hit are your average workers, who do not have surplus cash to begin with.”
Royal Mail, which runs the Knowe Road sorting office in Greenock, is a large employer in the area.
A walkout could have a major effect on mail and parcel delivery services across the district.
The CWU spokesperson added: “As always, strike action is the last resort, but we believe this matter needs dealt with as a matter of urgency.”
It is expected that the ballot result will be announced next week, after which an internal union consultation process will begin to decide the next steps.
