A further wave of nationwide postal strikes are underway following unsuccessful talks aimed at breaking the deadlock.
On Thursday, 43,700 union members in mail centres, delivery units in mail centres, network logistic drivers and garage staff are on a 24-hour strike. Further one-day strikes are due to take place on Friday and Saturday, which include delivery and collection staff.
Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), said a delay in Royal Mail management responding to a fresh proposal tabled by the union meant the strike action had to go ahead.
“Had that proposal been agreed, this would have enabled a period of calm and allowed further talks through Acas, with the intention of concluding a full and final agreement,” he said.
“At this point in time, we have not had confirmation as to whether our proposal is acceptable and therefore the strikes previously announced for the next few days will take place.”
Royal Mail accused the CWU of making “fresh demands” at talks chaired by TUC chief Brendan Barber.
