What we know about when postal workers are striking and how post will be affected

Royal Mail workers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strikes in a dispute over pay, as the summer of discontent continues.

A ballot of members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) showed huge support for industrial action in protest at a 2 per cent per cent pay offer after inflation hit 9.4 per cent last month.

A total of 97.6 per cent, of those who voted – more than 115,000 workers – backed strikes, on a turnout of 77 per cent. The union said it was an unprecedented result.

Here’s what you need to know.

Royal Mail strike dates

The strike dates are yet to be announced, but it is expected to take place in August.

If it were to go ahead, it would likely be the biggest industrial action taken by workers this summer in Britain, according to the CWU.

General secretary Dave Ward said there will now be a “small window” of opportunity for talks to avoid walkouts before strike dates are set.

He said postal workers received big support from the public for their efforts during the pandemic and would continue to receive backing for their pay campaign.

Mr Ward said: “This stunning result is a testament to the phenomenal efforts made by CWU members across the country.

“It is also a vote of no confidence in Royal Mail’s chief executive and board, who should seriously consider their futures in our industry.

“Crucially, the vote can leave no doubt that postal workers are united, and that they are demanding the proper pay rise they deserve.

“While bosses rake in 758 million in profit and shareholders take 400 million, workers are expected to take a serious real-terms pay cut.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said that the company was disappointed with the result.

“We offered a deal worth up to 5.5% for CWU grade colleagues, the biggest increase we have offered for many years, which the CWU rejected”.

The CWU has demanded a “straight, no-strings” pay rise.

“We can only fund this offer by making the changes that will pay for it and ensure Royal Mail can grow and remain competitive in a fast-moving industry,” Royal Mail’s spokesperson added.

“Despite nearly three months of talks, the CWU have not engaged in any meaningful discussion on the changes we need to make to adapt.

“Ensuring we can change, at pace, is the route to protecting well-paid, permanent, jobs long term and retain our place as the industry leader on pay and terms and conditions. That is in the interest of Royal Mail and all its employees.

Royal Mail, amongst the oldest postal groups in the world, had shown caution in its last profit guidance, saying that meeting forecasts this year depended on the CWU agreeing a pay deal that was “broadly in line” with its offer.

How will post be affected?

A strike on this scale, involving more than 100,000 workers, will result in severe disruption to deliveries across the country.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “In the event of industrial action, we have contingency plans to minimise customer disruption and will work to keep people, businesses and the country connected.”