Royal Mail disputes could escalate as strikes continue
Disputes in the Royal Mail are expected to escalate in the UK over the coming weeks, reports the Daily Telegraph. The article continues:
Business leaders and campaigners said the strikes would come at the worst possible time for the economy, which is struggling to emerge out of the worst recession in a generation.
And in a move that would cause potential embarrassment for the government, postal workers are expected to take industrial action at the same time as the Labour conference in Brighton in September.
The Communication Workers Union will ballot 130,000 postal staff for a national strike over pay and jobs.
Stephen Alambritis, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “These strikes come at the worst time for the economy and for small businesses – 90% of which still rely on postal services despite the internet.
“If the cheque does not arrive in the post on time, then they will get in trouble with the bank manager.”
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “Never before have postal workers experienced so many attacks from all sides. Whether it’s pay, job security, workload or dignity and respect at work, our members are facing a beating on all aspects of their working lives.
“Pressure and stress are rising to breaking point. It won’t be long before services are dramatically affected.
“Our members do not want to lose money or disrupt services by taking further strike action. However, while Royal Mail refuses to acknowledge the serious issues facing its own employees we feel there is no alternative but to press ahead with a national strike ballot.
“We will call off all strike action in return for meaningful negotiations on modernisation, pay and job security. As the recognised union this is the least Royal Mail should do.”
Strikes hit Skegness and Huntingdon on 24 August, Rochdale on 25 August, Birmingham, Coventry, London, Essex, Peterborough, Cambridge, Bristol, Leeds and Bridgend on 27 August, London, Stirling and Edinburgh on 28 August and Middlesbrough, London and the Isle of Wight on 29 August.
