UK strike anticipated next week

A UK national postal strike could happen as early as 22 October. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) revealed they had written to Royal Mail urging the company “to show it is sincere about reaching an agreement and avoiding strike action”.

The demands made in the letter include: Royal Mail announcing its long-term business plan; workers’ payments being made in line with the company’s success; and independent inquiries being setup for bullying and harassment cases.

A CWU statement goes on to state that if the Royal Mail refuses this offer they would have no option but to strike – with an announcement due on 15 October.

The union must give seven days notice of strike action – hence the expected date of 22 October.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “Postal workers do not want to have to take strike action, but neither are they prepared to put up with continuing attacks from a management which is failing.

“We have today written to Royal Mail making it clear that the CWU is ready to issue notice for a national strike as voted for by three quarters of postal workers.

“More importantly, we have offered what we believe is a genuine alternative to reach a lasting agreement. This is an opportunity to avoid a national strike, restore customer confidence and resolve the concerns of staff.

“If Royal Mail really is sincere about reaching an agreement we expect them to take up this offer for the interests of all involved in the mail industry.”

A full copy of Ward’s letter is below:

Dear Mark

I am writing to confirm that on Thursday 15th October 2009, the Union will serve the relevant notice in line with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidated) Act 1992, announcing national strike action.

However, given the seriousness of the situation we are prepared to make a fresh offer that will avoid the planned strike action and assist in finding a resolution to this dispute.

The CWU offer comprises of the following:-

That Royal Mail will reveal their business plan for the whole of the planned transformation programme.  This will create an open environment that will allow Royal Mail and CWU to reach a 3 year agreement aimed at providing long term stability for the business, employees and our customers.

That Royal Mail recommit to the key principle which underpinned the 2007 Pay and Modernisation Agreement i.e. that “change will be introduced by agreement”.  This means Royal Mail will unequivocally agree planned 2010 change, including the rollout of new walk sequencing machines.

That we agree, in principle, that improved Job Security arrangements and a new benefits package that rewards postal workers for delivering  success for the business will form part of the final agreement.

That Royal Mail agrees the principle that budgets should not drive staffing levels and that what constitutes a fair days workload will be based on transparent and agreed standards with the Union.  We should jointly consider utilising independent experts in the field of work measurement to facilitate a resolution to all workload issues.

That Royal Mail is prepared to step back from imposed change and resolve all current local disputes by agreement.

That Royal Mail agrees to an independent enquiry into the bullying and harassment of postal workers and immediately ceases the use of unagreed HR procedures.

That Royal Mail are prepared to jointly approach the Government on the urgent need to find a resolution to pensions and regulatory issues.

That the national parties clear our diaries to allow for an intense period of negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues and conclude a comprehensive national agreement.

Your commitment to the aforementioned will enable us to restore customer confidence and provide a genuine opportunity to resolve this dispute without the need for any further strike action.

Separately and in addition to the above offer, the Union are proposing, without any preconditions, that the national parties jointly explore the possibility of third party mediation.  As well as seeking third party mediation to resolve the dispute, the Union would also be prepared to engage third party assistance to help bring about a fundamental long term improvement to industrial and employee relations.

The Union is available for meaningful negotiations for the remainder of this week.

I look forward to your prompt response.  If Royal Mail really is sincere about reaching an agreement with the Union that aligns the interests of our customers, employees and the company as a whole, then you will pick up this offer.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

Deputy General Secretary (P)

Is this the right move? How will you be affected? Please leave your comments below.