UK post workers call off Christmas strikes

The threat of a strike by postal workers in London in the run-up to Christmas ended today when union leaders gave an assurance that deliveries will not be disrupted.

Postmen and women in the capital had warned of two 24-hour strikes later this month in a long running dispute over London Weighting allowances.

Mail deliveries were crippled in October following unofficial walkouts which started in London and there were warnings of further strikes.

But Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, said today he wanted to dispel any fears that postal workers would do anything to “ruin” Christmas.

“The capital’s postmen and women know that the public rely on us throughout the year, but especially at Christmas. We’re not going to let them down.”

Mr Ward was today continuing to have talks with Royal Mail over a deal to scrap second mail deliveries and other changes aimed at boosting productivity.

Mr Ward said the two sides were “very close” to reaching agreement and revealed that progress had been made on the London Weighting dispute.

A deadline of tomorrow had been set for signing a deal although the talks could continue until later in the week.

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