Royal Mail workers vote in favour of strikes

Royal Mail workers have voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of strikes in a dispute over job security and employment terms, the Communication Workers Union has announced.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) backed action by 97% in a huge turnout of almost 76%.

CWU reps in Northern Ireland have confirmed whatever action is taken will apply here too. It is understood a mediation process is still ongoing.

The dispute has flared over implementation of a so-called Four Pillars Agreement reached last year between the union and Royal Mail .

These include working hours, the use of technology to monitor efficiency and its parcel sorting systems.

Terry Pullinger, the CWU’s deputy general secretary, said the union and its members were facing the “fight of our lives”.

He added: “Although they are talking as if they are acting within that agreement I don’t believe there’s any true spirit and intent with them to support that agreement and that’s extremely concerning.”

Royal Mail, however, insisted: “We are committed to open and constructive engagement with the CWU.

“We all want a successful and sustainable company that provides good quality jobs, fairness in workloads, and continues delivering.”

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