Communication Workers Union green lights more postal strikes (UK)

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) has voted for another round of strikes at Royal Mail, dealing a blow to the direct marketing industry after last year’s strikes cost the sector GBP 8m.

The decision comes despite the CWU’s resolution after last year’s strikes to concentrate on lobbying the government rather than resorting to industrial action.

The vote was held at last week’s union conference, where deputy general secretary Dave Ward called for the dismissal of Adam Crozier and Allan Leighton.

The decision to return to strike action was in response to pension changes, post office closures and job losses at Royal Mail. Last year’s strike action was a major factor in Royal Mail’s failure to meet operational targets.

The strike also put a major strain on the CWU’s finances amid falling membership numbers. The union admitted at last week’s conference that it needs to make some ‘difficult and unpalatable decisions’, and would be looking to identify savings in its budget.

However, the union stressed that it is still in a strong enough position to protect its members’ rights. CWU senior deputy general secretary Tony Kearns says: “Let Royal Mail – or whoever else – be in no doubt that if they take us on we will do whatever is necessary to ensure we are in a position to fight on behalf of our members.”