MP backs Royal Mail workers

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart last week called on Royal Mail to engage in a “meaningful way” with the Communications Workers’ Union to find an acceptable solution to prevent further postal strikes.

The move came ahead of further industrial action planned by postal workers this month as a dispute over pay and working conditions continues.

SNP politician Mr Wishart was one of the signatories of a joint letter to Royal Mail CEO Simon Thompson which criticises the group for what is described as “threatening its workforce with job losses because they dare to ask for a fair work package.”

The letter was sent following Royal Mail announcing its intention to cut as many as 10,000 jobs, citing the strike action and low parcel delivery sales as the reason.

Mr Wishart said last week: “Postal workers across Perth and North Perthshire are struggling to make ends meet in the face of the cost of living crisis while Royal Mail shareholders benefited from bumper profits in the millions.

“It is understandable that postal workers find the argument that there isn’t money for them to have a fair wage unpalatable.

“There are millions of poundsworth of profitS for shareholders who surely have a moral duty to share the burden, particularly at a time when hard working postal staff are struggling to put food on their table this winter.

“Royal Mail staff in my constituency, as well as their families, desperately need financial security.

“The decision to strike will not have been easy for any of them, but this is about more than pay; it is also about protecting the universal mail service we all expect and value.

“Royal Mail needs to get back to the negotiating table – in a meaningful way – and put our communities at the heart of discussions.”