CWU says Royal Mail results should reward staff

Commenting on Royal Mail’s half year financial results today (Monday) – which show operating profit up by £55 million and improvements in all parts of the business – the Communication Workers Union says the improvement in performance should be shared with its workers and calls for greater job security, including no compulsory redundancies.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “Better performance and improved profits is welcome news for Royal Mail and its staff – but the industry still faces major challenges to secure its future. We want this success to be shared with postal workers in the form of higher pay and a commitment to job security, with an extension to Royal Mail’s commitment to completing modernisation with no compulsory redundancies.

“The modernisation programme has brought major change, including voluntary job losses, new machinery and equipment and changes to workplaces. It’s been difficult for both postal workers and customers and rewarding staff is the right thing to do. The current talks we’re in with the company are crucial to maintaining the successful modernisation of Royal Mail and in those we’re seeking commitments on pay and job security.

“Royal Mail workers know what’s going on in terms of competition and change in the industry and the crucial thing is to reward and motivate postal workers. Any redundancies must be voluntary, not forced, and the postal service must be protected. Without that it doesn’t matter what you do. The progress so far proves this can be successfully achieved under public ownership and clearly shows the importance of keeping the group of businesses – letters, Post Office, Parcelforce and GLS – integrated. Breaking this business up would be a disaster for UK postal services.”