Stewartry posties back on the picket line as pay row continues

Stewartry posties were back on the picket line this week.

Staff based at the Royal Mail office in Castle Douglas went on strike on Tuesday.

But there may be an end in sight to a dispute between the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail.

The two parties entered into talks this week through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) in a bid to find a resolution.

A joint statement from both parties said: “Following an invitation from ACAS, Royal Mail and CWU have agreed to jointly engage with ACAS facilitation in an attempt to resolve the current disputes on pay and change.

“There is a commitment on both sides to reach a resolution. However, we all acknowledge there are significant difficulties to overcome.”

The opening session took place on Tuesday “with the objective to reach an agreed approach for further facilitated talks.”

The CWU claims its members in Royal Mail have had a two per cent pay rise imposed on them without their agreement.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “Our members are fighting against a bullying management set on stripping their pay, trashing their job security and side-lining their union – it will take more than ACAS talks to hold them back.

“Until the employer reins in its relentless attacks on employees, the strikes will continue to take place.

“Postal workers are completely united in their determination to secure the dignity and respect they deserve. We won’t be backing down until we get just that.”

The next round of strike action is due to start on Wednesday and run for three days.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We remain hopeful of entering talks this week with the CWU through Acas to resolve our dispute on change and pay.

“This is the only way to get a resolution and secure Royal Mail’s future and jobs for our people.

“On Friday, October 14, we announced losses of £219 million in the first half of the year. Strike action has weakened our financial position and threatens the job security of our postmen and women.

“To give the talks the best platform to build towards an agreement, we call on the CWU to suspend their planned industrial action. The focus now must be on overcoming the difficulties that have prevented an agreement from being reached. We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience the CWU’s continued strike action will cause.

“We are doing all we can to minimise delays and keep people, businesses and the country connected.”