Postal strike on the way
A national postal strike was looming today with an expected vote in favour of a walk-out in a bitter row over jobs, pay and services.
Postal workers this afternoon voted for a nationwide strike in a bitter row over jobs, pay and services, threatening delivery chaos.
A 76 per cent majority of the 80,000 who voted backed strike action, which could lead to widespread disruption before the end of the month.
The Communication Workers Union has to give seven days notice of any national strikes, which comes after claims that jobs are being lost, pay cut and services reduced, under cost-saving measures being imposed by managers.
The Royal Mail, which has its North West Midlands Mail Centre in Wednesfield, has denied the claims and insisted it was only pressing ahead with agreed modernisation of the business in the face of increased competition from rival firms.
Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of the CWU, said: "Postal workers are striking to defend future services as well as for jobs and modern conditions.
"Modernisation is crucial to the future success of Royal Mail, but the implementation of change must be agreed and it must bring with it modern pay and conditions.
Mark Higson, Royal Mail's managing director, said: "We have now successfully completed the major efficiency changes planned for 2009, both nationally and in London, under the 2007 pay and modernisation agreement and there is no going-back on them. These changes are absolutely essential if Royal Mail is to survive."
