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POSTAL workers across the county are “the angriest they’ve ever been” as the prepare for further strike action.
That’s the message from Kevin Beazer – the Communication Workers Union South West regional secretary.
It comes as 115,000 postal workers are set to walk out on three further dates as part of the “biggest strike of summer”.
The walk-out will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, with further strikes on Thursday, September 8 and Friday, September 9.
Mr Beazer said: “This is the first (postal) strike in a dispute about pay since 1971. Workers are, without a doubt, the angriest they’ve ever been and I’ve been here for 34 years.
“Frustrations have reached a tipping point and that’s why you saw members voting in the large numbers that they did to support the strikes.”
77% of CWU members voted in the strike ballot with 97.6% voting in favour of taking action.
The union is demanding that Royal Mail Group make an adequate pay award that covers the current cost of living increases for our members.
Members will continue to picket at key locations and delivery offices in the county.
CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “Nobody takes the decision to strike lightly, but postal workers are being pushed to the brink.
“There can be no doubt that postal workers are completely united in their determination to secure the dignified, proper pay rise they deserve.
“We can’t keep on living in a country where bosses rake in billions in profit while their employees are forced to use food banks.
“When Royal Mail bosses are raking in £758 million in profit and shareholders pocketing in excess of £400 million, our members won’t accept pleads of poverty from the company.
“The CWU’s message to Royal Mail’s leadership is simple – there will be serious disruption until you get real on pay.”
A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail believes there are no grounds for industrial action. Royal Mail is ready to talk further with the CWU to try to avert damaging industrial action but it must be about both change and pay.
“We have contingency plans in place, and will be working hard to minimise disruption and get our services back to normal as soon as we can to keep people, businesses and the country connected. “Meanwhile you can continue to send your parcels and letters and we would encourage you to post early in advance of these dates.”
