Deadlock brings UK Royal Mail postal strike closer

A national strike by postal workers loomed even closer after Royal Mail insisted that it would be offering no more money to staff even if union officials turned up to talks today at Acas, the conciliation service. The company’s position reinforced expectations that the first national strike in seven years was set to go ahead.

Late last week, Royal Mail invited the Communication Workers’ Union to talks at Acas, but the company said the union had not replied formally. No union official was available for comment.

Observers said Royal Mail’s assertion that it could not substantially change its offer greatly reduced the union’s incentive for further talks. The two sides met at Acas earlier this month, but no progress was made.

Royal Mail has offered a 14.5% increase over 18 months, which it says would bring the weekly wage up to a minimum of £300. But the money is linked to changes in working practices, including altered shifts and productivity targets. The CWU says this means the real rise only equates to 4.5% over 18 months. It has demanded an immediate pay rise of 8%.

Dave Ward, the CWU deputy general secretary responsible for postal workers, has complained that the offer has “more strings than the Philharmonic Orchestra”. Royal Mail said the company could not offer fewer strings, since “the company can’t afford not to have productivity attached to this”.