Use Your Postal Service or Lose It
Hardened unionists, determined to stand on picket lines to the last, are a big part of Royal Mail’s present troubles.
There are of course many that will be doing so because the changes ahead at Britain’s monopoly postal provider will affect their way of lives, there is also a proportion who feel its in the interest of their customers, but by and large, activists make up a large percentage of strikers, particularly in areas that have in the past seen mining strikes.
Such memories are not easily forgotten – particularly in the north and parts of Wales but certainly Royal Mail has had a great deal of influence from the union in its lifetime, and its a strength that is not easily given up by its members.
In the private sector, flexibility has been key to maximizing profits and arguably with little reward for those doing the actual work but in most cases, productivity bonuses and reward payments have been welcomed. On the reverse side, the fat cat culture has swelled in some industries and understandably unions are becoming somewhat restless. That said, industrial action in the form of strikes also has a negative effect. Loss of revenue can weaken a business to the point of no return and Royal Mail is determined not to be bullied by strikes as it reorganizes the way it works simply to survive.
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