Postal workers will walk out for the first time in 11 years on Friday 29 June following the breakdown of talks between Royal Mail and the Communication
Workers Union.
Dave Ward, the union’s deputy general secretary, said: “We have tried to reach an agreement, but Royal Mail is refusing to negotiate.
“Therefore, we are announcing the first national postal strike in 11 years on 29 June. This will also include all workers in Royal Mail and Post Office Limited, including people who work on counters and cash services.”
The union is angry at a 2.5% pay offer and plans to modernise the organisation, which it claims will lead to massive job cuts.
“What Royal Mail is doing is not modernisation,” Ward said. “The truth is they are intent on cutting services, cutting jobs and cutting pay.”
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But the door remains open for a deal, according to Ward. “In announcing this strike action, the union remains committed to reaching an agreement, and we have given Royal Mail a further week to conclude a deal before any strike action becomes necessary.”