Second Royal Mail ballot sees workers vote for further strikes

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents Royal Mail Group workers, said that its members yesterday (17 August) voted by 98.7% on a 72.2% turnout, complementing a 97.6% ‘yes’ vote on a 77% turnout for strike action over pay in July.

Over 115,000 union members have already voted to strike over pay, in a separate dispute, with strike dates set for 26 and 31 August, and 8 and 9 September.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “Today’s result is another rejection of those at the top of Royal Mail, who should consider their positions.

“Postal workers in this country are being pushed to the edge, but there can be no doubt that they will fight the planned erosion of their workplace rights with determination.

“Right now, this country is growing sick of a business elite who are completely out of touch with ordinary people and their lives.

“Things are getting harder and harder for normal working people so that incompetent bosses can have an easy life.

“But this union will fight this disgraceful state of affairs every step of the way.

“The CWU’s message to Royal Mail’s management is simple: do right by your workers.”

CWU deputy general secretary Terry Pullinger added: “Our members, who worked miracles during the pandemic, are being treated with complete contempt.

“The ongoing attempts of Royal Mail Group to whittle away people’s hard-won working conditions will be met with fierce opposition.

“For far too long now, Royal Mail Group have been trying to pick a fight, treating our members like they are the dirt they walk on.

“But Royal Mail Group have completely failed to recognise the strength of feeling that exists against them.

“In these times, working people need more security on the job, not less, and we won’t be backing down until we secure an acceptable solution for our members.”

In response, a Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Instead of engaging meaningfully on change that will secure future jobs, the CWU has decided to ballot against change. We are losing £1m a day, and we need to change what we are doing to fix the situation and protect jobs.

“This change is also needed to support the pay package we have offered to CWU grade colleagues, worth up to 5.5%. This is the biggest increase we have offered for many years and the CWU have rejected it. This would add around £230m to Royal Mail’s annual people costs when the business is already loss-making.

“The CWU has put forward ideas for change that would cost over £1bn while not delivering the changes needed to ensure Royal Mail can grow and remain competitive in a fast-moving industry.

“These actions do not represent a union that supports change. We wanted to meet this week but were disappointed the CWU couldn’t make it – we hope to meet next week. The CWU have their heads in the sand and are failing to grasp the seriousness of the situation.

“Royal Mail can have a bright future, but we can’t achieve that by living in the past. Customers want more parcels, bigger parcels, delivered the next day, including Sundays, and more environmentally friendly options.

“By modernising, we can offer more of what our customers want at a price they are willing to pay, all whilst protecting jobs on the best terms and conditions in the industry.”