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Post Office workers have gone on another walkout today, protesting low pay.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are involved and it comes after another strike took place on Monday of this week.
Here’s everything you need to know about today’s strike.
When is the strike happening?
Post Office workers are staging a 24-hour strike on Thursday 14 July in a dispute over pay.
Members of the CWU who deliver cash and supplies to sub-post offices, process finances and work in administration are involved in the row.
The 24 hours started at midnight early on Thursday and so the strike ends at 11.59pm.
Why is the strike happening?
The CWU said the action was in protest at a 3 per cent pay offer for the 2022-23 financial year, alongside a one-off lump sum payment of £500, and no pay increase for the 2021-22 financial year.
CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said: “The blame for this disruption lies entirely with the senior Post Office leadership, who have repeatedly failed – and wilfully refused – to set out a sensible and fair pay agreement.
“Everyone knows that the only solution is a fair pay rise that properly rewards members for their extraordinary efforts in serving the public and delivering a profitable Post Office, while also taking account of the extreme cost of living.
“There most certainly is money available, but management do not want to give workers their fair share.”
A Post Office spokesperson said: “We have a range of contingency measures in place to minimise the impact of CWU strike action in our supply chain today.
“Our 11,500 branches are open as usual. We’re disappointed that the CWU have made the decision to strike but remain hopeful that we can reach a pay agreement soon.”
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Was there another strike?
Yes. CWU members in Crown Post Offices went on strike on Monday, also over pay.
It was the third national strike by Post Office workers this year.
The union said its members had rejected a pay offer it said was worth 3 per cent with effect from April and a £500 lump sum, which the union said was well below inflation.
CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said: “No worker wants to be in this situation, but Post Office bosses can’t be surprised that callous decisions are challenged by our members.
“This dispute is about dignity and respect for hard-working employees – essential public servants who, as key workers, provided unprecedented customer service during the pandemic.
“Our members feel betrayed and will not tolerate their living standards being smashed by people in charge of a public service that due to our members’ efforts made tens of millions of pounds in annual profits.
“There is more than enough money for a reasonable pay rise – implementing this pay cut is a management choice, not a necessity.”
Additional reporting from Press Association.
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