Consignia has signed a three-month no-strike deal with the
Communication Workers’ Union in an effort to ensure this year’s Christmas post
escapes industrial action.
Under the agreement, which expires on 12 January, the Royal
Mail, which is owned by Consignia, will not implement any new changes in
working practices at local level.
The agreement is geared towards achieving the lengthy
strike-free period that was one of the recommendations in Lord Sawyer’s report
on industrial relations between the Royal Mail and the CWU, published in July.
Mick Linsell, MD at the Royal Mail, believes the agreement
is a step in the right direction towards ensuring better working relations.
"The Royal Mail is very pleased at this latest positive
development in industrial relations. It will benefit both customers and
employees. The agreements demonstrates the strong commitment in the business
and the union to make the Royal Mail a better place in which to work while
boasting customer service."
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John Keggie, deputy general secretary of the CWU, added,
"CWU members want to play a full role in creating a long-lasting period of
industrial stability. The key to achieving this goal is to make the business a
better place to work, and for the union and its members to be treated as full
partners in decision making at all levels, which is a must in today’s changing
commercial environment."
By Paul Nelson
