Posties’ latest strikes called off but union members ‘still resolute’
POSTIES across South Ayrshire were back on the picket line last week in the latest strike by members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in a row over jobs, pay and conditions – but further strikes due to take place this week and next have been put on hold.
The union said that following a letter from Royal Mail’s legal team, it had decided to withdraw industrial action notices over the next two weeks.
CWU bosses said strike action would resume on Saturday November 12.
The latest strike, held over two days on October 25 and 26, was the eighth in the series of 24-hour stoppages by CWU members, who are angry at Royal Mail bosses’ imposition of a below-inflation pay rise.
The privatised company announced last month that it intended to consult on up to 6,000 redundancies, blaming the CWU’s industrial action – and warning that more job cuts could follow if the union’s action is extended.
Our picture was taken at the picket line outside Troon’s post office as workers appealed to the public for their support for the action.
Following the decision on Sunday to suspend strike action planned for November 2, 3 and 4 and again on November 8, 9 and 10, CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “We recognise the deep frustration felt by many members over this decision.
“But the fact remains that the current direction of Royal Mail doesn’t benefit the company, the community or the country.
“We still need to secure a decent future of this industry, and no attempts to attack our union and our members will change our determination in fighting for that.
“The current focus of the coming days will be negotiations that can hopefully achieve a sensible deal to end this dispute.
“In the meantime, I appeal to our members to stand by their union – stay strong and don’t be provoked.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “The Communication Workers Union has announced it has withdrawn planned strike action in the next two weeks (November 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10).
“The CWU has withdrawn
“No attempts to attack our union will change our determination” strike action following Royal Mail writing to CWU to highlight numerous material concerns with the formal notification of planned rolling strike action.
“We will continue to do all we can to keep business, companies and the country connected.”
Further talks between the two sides were due to take place at the conciliation service Acas as this issue of the Advertiser went to press on Monday.
Dave Ward, CWU