CWU: Royal Mail stands “on the brink of collapse”
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is calling for an emergency summit between the government, employers and union representatives to save Royal Mail.
The union – which represents Royal Mail’s workforce – has urgently called for formal talks between the union, company management and the government to identify a way forward for Royal Mail, and to rescue the company from serious crisis.
The news comes as BBC reporters warned of a “nightmare Christmas” for the company, with profound issues over the recruitment and retention of staff being reported across the country.
Commenting, CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “We are calling for a summit between stakeholders and the government to address the ticking timebomb that is Royal Mail.
“The BBC have shone a light on the harsh pressure postal workers are facing, and the price paid by consumers for the historic mismanagement of Royal Mail. “Royal Mail has been in structural decline for well over a decade, and the continuous failure to deliver quality of service is killing the brand, demoralising the workforce, and letting down the communities that postal workers are proud to serve.”
“At this stage, it doesn’t matter what delivery model is adopted: unless the company faces up to its self-inflicted recruitment and retention crisis, the company is on the brink of collapse. “For years, we have had select committees, promises of £500 million improvement plans, a broad array of agreements and threats to improve from Ofcom.
“Royal Mail is in serious need of a business vision that provides dignified work for employees and quality service for consumers and communities. The time for developing and implementing this vision is long overdue, and we must begin the work now.”
