CWU and Royal Mail agree 6.9% pay deal

Members of the postal union accepted the Royal Mail deal - which includes a 6.9 per cent pay rise over three years, greater job security and a slightly shorter working week.

The deal still needs to be approved by a union members' ballot.

The union and Royal Mail have been holding peace talks for over two months after a series of strikes last year in a bitter row over pay and working conditions.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: "It's been a long time coming, but this deal delivers on the major issues which postal workers have fought for. There's a balance of pay and operational changes which will help offset job losses and ensure our members are fairly rewarded for change.

"The agreement recognises the reality of automation, competition and the financial challenges facing the company, but it does so in a way that puts the interests of CWU members at its heart."

He added the union was determined to address the £5.9 billion pensions black hole to find an acceptable solution.

Roger Poole, who chaired the talks between the CWU and Royal Mail, said: "Nobody pretends this will be easy but both sides have committed themselves in good faith to achieve a new start.

"I know that staff will want to give this agreement serious consideration and hope that this will lead to a positive outcome to the ballot."

CWU members are expected to vote on the deal within the next few weeks.

But "Roy Mayall" - a pseudonym for a postman - pointed out that the new deal lifted the cap on the amount of junk mail Royal Mail was allowed to deliver to one address - and if the deal was approved, postmen would get paid less to do it.

The posties will also be expected to work longer hours on Saturdays, a day they had formerly been allowed to go home early on.

Royal Mail's controversial chief executive Adam Crozier, who is leaving the stricken company in April to join ITV, added: "It's a good deal for our customers as it ensures stability over the next three years."