The British postal union CWU today issued an ultimatum to Royal Mail, offering what it called a ‘peace deal’ to avoid a nationwide mail strike that could start next Thursday (October 22) and hit
businesses in the run-up to the peak Christmas sales season.In a public letter to Royal Mail managing director Mark Higson, the CWU called on the Britishpostal operator to agree to a series of demands. If not, it would issue strike notice this Thursday(October 15), with industrial action legally possible from seven days’ later (October 22). About 76% of CWU members have voted for strike action.
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “We have today written to Royal Mail making itclear that the CWU is ready to issue notice for a national strike as voted for by three quarters ofpostal workers. More importantly, we have offered what we believe is a genuine alternative to reacha lasting agreement. This is an opportunity to avoid a national strike, restore customer confidenceand resolve the concerns of staff. If Royal Mail really is sincere about reaching an agreement weexpect them to take up this offer for the interests of all involved in the mail industry.”
The CWU said its offer comprised the following demands:
* That Royal Mail will reveal their business plan for the whole of the planned transformationprogramme. This will create an open environment that will allow Royal Mail and CWU to reach a3 year agreement aimed at providing long term stability for the business, employees and ourcustomers.
* That Royal Mail recommit to the key principle which underpinned the 2007 Pay andModernisation Agreement i.e. that “change will be introduced by agreement”. This means RoyalMail will unequivocally agree planned 2010 change, including the rollout of new walk sequencingmachines.
* That we agree, in principle, that improved Job Security arrangements and a new benefitspackage that rewards postal workers for delivering success for the business will form part ofthe final agreement.
* That Royal Mail agrees the principle that budgets should not drive staffing levels and thatwhat constitutes a fair days workload will be based on transparent and agreed standards with theUnion. We should jointly consider utilising independent experts in the field of workmeasurement to facilitate a resolution to all workload issues.
* That Royal Mail are prepared to step back from imposed change and resolve all current localdisputes by agreement.
* That Royal Mail agrees to an independent enquiry into the bullying and harassment of postalworkers and immediately ceases the use of unagreed HR procedures.
* That Royal Mail are prepared to jointly approach the Government on the urgent need to finda resolution to pensions and regulatory issues.
* That the national parties clear our diaries to allow for an intense period of negotiationsto resolve all outstanding issues and conclude a comprehensive national agreement.
The CWU also said it was proposing the two sides seek third party mediation to resolve thedispute and to help bring about a fundamental long term improvement to industrial and employeerelations.
There was no immediate reaction from Royal Mail.
