Royal Mail workers say “YES” to new deal
UK postal workers have voted in favour of the Royal Mail-Communication Workers Union agreement. The deal on pay, job security and improved industrial relations was backed by two-to-one in a consultative ballot.
Called ‘Business Transformation 2010 and Beyond’, the strategy ended a prolonged series of strikes that heavily affected national postal services throughout last year.
The three-year agreement paves the way for Royal Mail Letters to continue with its £2bn modernisation, including the introduction of new automated machinery and delivery equipment.
Royal Mail said the deal ensures a fair reward for workers that “reflects the vital part they play in the transformation of Royal Mail”.
Welcoming the news, Mark Higson, managing director of Royal Mail Letters, said: “This is a great outcome for Royal Mail, its customers and its people. We’re already more than half way through our £2bn modernisation plan and we’re all now focussed on getting on with the changes that will give Royal Mail a strong and successful future, and will protect the future of the Universal Service.”
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “This is a strong ballot result for a strong deal and we’re delighted that our members have fully supported this hard fought for agreement. The deal recognises the importance of staff in successfully implementing change and rewarding people for the work.
“Job security was a major issue for us given the changes ahead. The deal commits Royal Mail to retaining full-time staff, improved flexibility and a voluntary approach to any redundancies.
“It was obvious to everyone involved that the old ‘them and us’ mentality simply had to go. Industrial relations have to improve and we’re all committed to that. Now the challenge is on for us all to prove in practice that we can all work together to build a positive future for our industry, our members and the public whom we serve.”
John Modd, editor of Mail & Express Review and former managing director of Royal Mail International, told Post&Parcel: “A yes vote to any arrangement that takes industrial action off the agenda, at least for the time being, is good news. What we must look out for is how the changes in working practices are implemented office by office. Previous deals have been scuppered by militancy in some of the worst locations, particularly in London. Let’s hope this time it will be different.”
