Postal workers vote to strike again

Postal workers on the picket line, 30 September

Thousands of postal workers have voted in favour of more strikes in the long-running dispute over pay.

More than 95% of staff who voted in the ballot wanted strike action, said the Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents more than 110,000 postal workers at the Royal Mail.

A spokesperson from Royal Mail said it was "disappointed" at the vote result.

Workers held strikes over Christmas and the new vote gives the union a six-month mandate for strike action.

Royal Mail has offered a pay deal it says is worth up to 9% over 18 months - but the CWU wants more given the rate at which prices are rising.

The union is now urging Royal Mail bosses to "take stock" and change course in their negotiations.

The CWU also objects to proposed changes to working conditions, including changes to Sunday working.

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A Royal Mail spokesperson said the company was committed to continue talks with the union.

But they added that the threat of more strike action by CWU members could mean more customers will switch to competitors.

"We urge the CWU to seriously consider our best and final pay offer and to work with us to transform Royal Mail and secure its future. That is in the best interests of Royal Mail and all its employees," they added.

CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said the vote was "proof" that postal workers would "not accept their livelihoods being destroyed".

"It is proof that for Royal Mail to begin functioning normally again, there needs to be a change in negotiating approach from its leadership that recognises the depth of feeling from the workforce that make their company," he continued.

Earlier this month, postal workers said they would no longer go on strike after a legal challenge by Royal Mail.

About 115,000 workers had planned to walk out on 16 February in to 17 February, in an ongoing row over pay and conditions.

But union bosses said that they would not fight a legal challenge to the action.

Hundreds of thousands of workers - including teachers, civil servant and barristers - have been on strike recently over pay, which they say should keep up with rising prices.