Postal strikes postponed for a fortnight – but workers remain ‘resolute’

Members of the CWU: Photo: CWU.

Postal strikes have been called off after union bosses received a legal letter from the Royal Mail.

The Communication Workers Union said the letter was an attempt to “undermine pre-existing strike ballots” – and members would be striking again from 12th November.

It followed reports last week that talks between the company and union leaders had made encouraging progress with the support from mediators at ACAS.

Further talks are scheduled for today (Monday).

CWU’s Shetland representative, George Ross, said he hoped a deal could be thrashed out.

“But until they move and realise they must speak to us and not at us, the mood within the union and the many workplaces will remain resolute,” he added,

Some 115,000 postal workers – including members of the Shetland workforce – began strike action in August.

The union is demanding a “dignified, proper pay rise” to help members struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Mr Ross said industrial action had been successful in providing the platform to “move forward with hopefully constructive negotiations”.

For now, however, Mr Ross said the members strength and resolve had not diminished.

“Until there’s a dramatic change in the direction of the company, I’ve no doubt the action will remain in place,” he said.

While he said the union and its members were will to accept changes, Mr Ross said it must be “agreed and not imposed”.

Speaking after the Royal Mail’s letter postponed the strikes, 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.”

The Royal Mail said: “There is a commitment on both sides to reach a resolution however we all acknowledge there are significant difficulties to overcome.”