Union takes Royal Mail fight to PM’s home
A major demonstration will take place in the UK this weekend against the privatisation of Royal Mail – days before the Postal Services Bill returns to Parliament. On January 9 (Sunday), members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will be joined by Labour Party politicians in Witney, Oxfordshire – the home constituency of British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Protesters will speak out against the government-led move to sell-off the public service.
The Postal Services Bill receives its third reading in the House of Commons on January 12 (Wednesday).
The CWU said it plans to have a Grim Reaper in attendance, as well as using a six foot symbolic coffin carrying the message: ‘Here lie the remains of Royal Mail and postal service in the UK’.
Union members are hoping to be joined by student protestors and local residents who are unhappy with the plans.
Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: “Government cuts are really beginning to draw blood now as jobs and services suffer. The planned privatisation of Royal Mail is an unnecessary ideological move which will damage postal services forever.
“On Sunday hundreds of people, representing thousands of families, small businesses, pensioners, students and workers, will take the message of saving the Royal Mail to the prime minister’s constituency. Will he listen? Or will he press ahead with the privatisation of Royal Mail and risk an increase in mail prices, a decrease in services, and mass post office closures?”
Hayes will be joined by Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, Gavin Shuker, Labour MP for Luton South, and Ann Black, Labour Party NEC, amongst others.
What are your thoughts on the planned demonstration? Please comment below…
Apparently only 400 people showed up and considering Witney is close to one of the most militant mail centres Oxford) now closed it has to be disappointing for the CWU.
Politically motivated Billy Hayes is doing a”Scargill” by not putting privitisation to ALL his members for a democratic vote which will in the end lead to disaster. One suspects that most workers would like to get away from the “dead hand of the Treasury” be part of a proper and more competitive business, have their pensions underwritten by the taxpayer and be given shares?!