Royal Mail in court threat to prevent postal strike

ROYAL Mail last night threatened to take union chiefs to court in an attempt to stop a nationwide postal strike.

Just moments after a date was set for the 48-hour walkout, the company declared it unlawful and vowed to use ‘all legal options’ to prevent it.

Union leaders described the move as ‘desperate’ – setting the stage for a showdown.

The war of words came after the Communication Workers Union announced that industrial action would start on October 19. It will be the first national strike at Royal Mail since it was privatised four years ago.

Some 110,000 members are due to walk out – enough to temporarily cripple the postal system – over working conditions and changes to their pensions.

But despite overwhelming backing for industrial action in a ballot on Tuesday, Royal Mail insisted it could not go ahead.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: ‘We believe any strike before the resolution procedures have been followed would be unlawful. Royal Mail will use all legal options at its disposal.’

The CWU said: ‘This is desperation from the company.’