The national postal strike in Britain will start next Thursday (October 22) with two days of strikeaction after failed talks between the two sides and amid government criticism of a “suicidal”
strike and warnings of lost business for Royal Mail.The postal workers union CWU announced yesterday that about 42,000 workers at national mailsorting centres and network drivers will go on strike on October 22. The next day, some 78,000nationwide delivery and collection staff will take action.
The CWU said it had no choice but to take strike action after Royal Mail rejected its ‘peaceplan’ including a three-year agreement. But it remains open to mediation talks to solve thedispute. The CWU, which has already organised regional strikes across the country in recent weeks,wants to ensure modernisation measures will only be introduced with its agreement.
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “We made a genuine offer to Royal Mail thatwould have given space for detailed discussions without a strike. We were severely disappointedthat within two or three hours the company rejected it, apparently without even affording it properconsideration.” He added: “If Royal Mail is not prepared to reconsider our offer and negotiatearound that offer then we are strong, resolute and the strike will go ahead.”
Meanwhile, British prime minister Gordon Brown told Parliament yesterday that the governmentwanted the dispute settled, and said ministers were working on getting the two sides to negotiate. “ I hope that this unnecessary strike can be prevented,” he said. The prime minister also warned: “Ihave to say that if Royal Mail starts to lose major contracts such as those of some of the majorfirms in this country, it will be difficult for it to regain those contracts over a short period oftime.”
British Business Secretary Peter Mandelson commented: “I very much regret this decision bythe CWU. Candidly, I think it is suicidal. Taking industrial action will not resolve thisdispute. It will only serve to drive more customers away from Royal Mail. The CWU should turntheir backs on industrial action and sit down with the Royal Mail and resolve this dispute. That iswhat is in the interests of the Royal Mail, their members and the country.”
A number of major British companies are planning to use alternative delivery companies to tryto avoid the impact of a national postal strike, while small companies have warned of the impact ontheir businesses.
