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ROYAL MAIL workers have voted massively in favour of strikes in a dispute over pay and conditions, increasing the threat of disruption to postal deliveries.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) backed strikes by 98.7 per cent on a turnout of more than 72 per cent.
It was the second ballot of Royal Mail workers, who are already planning to strike on August 26 and 31 and September 8 and 9 in a separate row over pay.
CWU general secretary Dave Ward said it was a “staggering” result which sends a clear message to bosses about opposition to plans to changes to terms and conditions under modernisation plans.
“We will do everything possible to see if we can make progress but the Royal Mail management has to change its position,” Mr Ward said.
“If they don’t, then we will take strike action.”
The four strikes in the coming weeks will be the first national walkouts of postal staff, including delivery workers and those in sorting offices, since 2013.
Mr Ward said: “Today’s result is another rejection of those at the top of Royal Mail who should consider their positions.
“Postal workers are being pushed to the edge, but there can be no doubt they will fight the planned erosion of their workplace rights with determination.
“This country is growing sick of a business elite who are completely out of touch with ordinary people.”
CWU deputy general secretary Terry Pullinger said: “Our members, who worked miracles during the pandemic, are being treated with complete contempt.
“The ongoing attempts of Royal Mail Group to whittle away people’s hard won working conditions will be met with fierce opposition.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Instead of engaging meaningfully on change that will secure future jobs, the CWU has decided to ballot against change.
“We are losing £1 million a day and we need to change what we are doing to fix the situation and protect jobs.
“This change is also needed to support the pay package we have offered to CWU grade colleagues, worth up to 5.5 per cent.”
The CWU have rejected the company’s claim of a 5.5 per cent offer, saying it has imposed 2 per cent and other elements are tied to accepting attacks on terms and conditions.
