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The next in an extensive series of strikes by Royal Mail workers is taking place this week as part a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions.
Communication Workers Union (CWU) members are taking part in 19 days of strike action throughout October and November 2022, and there is potential for further disruption into the Christmas period.
Here’s when the next postal strike is taking place and how services will be affected by the Royal Mail walkout.
When is the Royal Mail strike this week?
The next major Royal Mail strike involving all CWU workers will take place on Tuesday 25 October.
It is the final large-scale walkout for over a month, with the next full industrial action being held on Monday 28 November.
These follow two strikes earlier this month, which took place on Thursday 13 October and Thursday 20 October.
Smaller groups and teams will strike on various dates in November and December, and the CWU has said the action will have a knock-on effect on all deliveries. These dates are as follows:
- Processing, distribution, international, collections and admin workers: Thursday 3, Wednesday 9, Tuesday 15, Thursday 24 November and Thursday 1 December
- Delivery workers: Friday 4, Thursday 10, Wednesday 16, Friday 25 November and Friday 2 December
- Network workers: Wednesday 2, Tuesday 8, Monday 14, Wednesday 23 and Wednesday 30 November
The union said the extensive series of strikes will have a “dramatic impact” and will cover peak mail periods such as Black Friday on 25 November, Cyber Monday on 28 November and the Christmas build-up.
While the final day of industrial action is currently scheduled for Friday 2 December, i reported how a halt in negotiations meant more strike dates further into the Christmas period are possible.
While it is possible that strike-induced delays may have resolved by late December, it is advisable to post Christmas presents well in advance this year.
A Royal Mail source recommended posting parcels two or three days earlier than usual ahead of dates when industrial action is planned.
Is there post on Royal Mail strike dates?
The most significant effect on strike dates is that Royal Mail will not be delivering any letters on these days, except for those sent by Special Delivery.
Special Delivery parcels are also being prioritised, although Royal Mail adds: “However, we cannot guarantee delivery of all items by 9am or 1pm next day.”
Royal Mail has also promised to “prioritise the delivery of Covid test kits and medical prescriptions wherever possible” when strikes are taking place, alongside other Tracked24 parcels.
Any items posted in postboxes or Post Offices the day before, during or following strike dates are likely to be subject to delays.
Royal Mail advises its customers to:
- Post items as early as possible in advance of the strike dates
- Continue to post items at post boxes or Post Offices, but be aware collections will be less frequent on days when strike action is taking place
The majority of Post Offices are expected to be open on the dates walkouts are talking place, although a small number will be affected by the CWU action.
Postal deliveries – and collections from businesses, Post Offices and post boxes – should resume the day after each strike takes place.
More on Strikes
Why are Royal Mail workers striking?
When announcing the latest round of planned strikes, CWU general secretary Dave Ward said the “signifcant announcement” of strikes “matches the level of anger our members feel” at their treatment.
He added: “The chief executive of Royal Mail Group is treating postal workers as if they are stupid.
“These are the same people that have kept the country connected and returned Royal Mail Group to record profit.
“Postal workers across the UK now face the fight of their lives to save their jobs and the service they provide to every household and business in the UK.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said at the time: “On September 22, Royal Mail invited CWU to enter into talks through Acas to find a resolution to our dispute on change and pay.
“This evening, rather than responding to our offer of Acas talks, the CWU announced further damaging industrial action, once again taking the path of prolonging disruption over resolution.
“Royal Mail is losing £1m a day and must change faster in response to changing customer demands. We operate in a competitive market, and our customers have choices.
“Further strikes and resistance to transformation by CWU will only make our financial position worse, and threatens the long-term job security of our postmen and women.”
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