Only option left is to go on strike

■ AS a striking Royal Mail postman of 15 years, I’m fed up with being portrayed as disruptive and greedy. The action we’re undertaking is as much about the company’s desire to shred terms and conditions as it is about a pay rise.

But do take Royal Mail’s “offer” of 9% with a pinch of salt. RM boss Simon Thompson could have resolved this dispute months ago. Instead, he’s chosen to be aloof and flippant, regularly mocking the CWU’s efforts to bring the dispute to a close. In doing so, he has alienated virtually every member of Royal Mail Group. Is this good leadership?

Myself and my colleagues are well aware of how the strikes will impact on people’s Christmas plans and the action is very much a last resort. I urge readers to support striking postal workers.

Adam Jones, South East London

■ How can the Tories ever again claim to be the party of fiscal responsibility when we’re now heading into another recession? Uncontrolled price rises and wage cuts have led to a situation where hard-working people find themselves at risk of losing their homes because of mortgage increases, while surrounded by financiers ready to profit from resultant negative equity and usurious loans. No doubt Tories will blame striking workers but a little reflection tells us that strike action is the last resort for those relying on a weekly wage packet. Strikers have to rely on their saved-for strike pay when forced to act. Money, which under a decent Government they could have spent on Christmas.

John Shale, Wigan, Gtr Manchester

■ I was furious to read about the obscene bonuses of Royal Mail shareholders and bosses. I hope the workers stick to their guns until they get a decent pay rise.

The Royal Mail can’t claim it is unable to afford to do this when they are handing out millions to shareholders. The price of stamps has also rocketed and as a result, I am sending fewer items by post. Debbie Richens South East London

■ What have working families done to deserve the pain inflicted on them by Sunak and Hunt? They blame anyone but themselves but this is due to Tory mismanagement over the last 12 years.

Railworkers, nurses, teachers and Royal Mail staff are all being forced into strike action by a government that just won’t listen and doesn’t understand how desperate working families are.

They worry they are not going to be able to pay their bills. The country can’t afford another two years of this inept government.

Vince McAllister, Ely, Cambs

It’s a phrase we often hear bandied about these days. But who truly deserves the title of National Treasure? From wildlife presenters (we can all think of one in particular) to much loved comedians, actors, sports stars and even royalty and politicians, who are really our national treasures? Draw up a list of your top 10 and send it to the address on this page or features@mirror.co.uk

■ As a member of the Labour Party for many years and a long-time member of Unison, I applaud RMT leader Mick Lynch for his union’s strike action. We are controlled by one of the most right-wing Tory governments in living memory, and I would urge Keir Starmer to align himself with the RMT and other unions considering strike action.

It’s time this government listened to the voters and acted upon our concerns.

Sandra Walter, South East London

■ I know things are tough just now but nothing like living in Ukraine. So, instead of going on strike, how about us backing Britain again? Give the nurses a good pay rise and the rest of us calm down and give the powers that be a chance to get things working again. Mistakes were made but we all got through the lockdowns, so let’s now work to get this country back on top by backing Britain.

Graham Kerr, Bath