Royal Mail workers launch 48-hour strike over pay

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), walked out and struck delivery of post across the country.

Talks between the sides were held on Thursday, but there was no sign that any progress was made. The union plans to intensify industrial action in coming weeks.

According to the union, the strike by 115,000 members was the largest in the year, despite long-running disputes in other areas.

In a major escalation, 19 additional days of strikes were announced on different days in October and November.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “This is a significant announcement, but it is one which matches the level of anger our members feel at the way Royal Mail Group has treated them.

“The chief executive of Royal Mail Group is treating postal workers as if they are stupid.

“These are the same people that have kept the country connected and returned Royal Mail Group to record profit.

“Postal workers across the UK now face the fight of their lives to save their jobs and the service they provide to every household and business in the UK.

“We call on everyone to stand with their local postal worker.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “The CWU can be in no doubt of the impact its reckless pursuit of 19 days of industrial action has on our weakened financial position and the job security of its members.

“Royal Mail is losing £1 million a day. We operate in a highly competitive market and our customers have many options. Strike action will continue to force our customers into making those decisions sooner than expected.

“Our invitation to enter into talks through Acas remains open. Royal Mail's situation as a business is very real. The CWU leadership must recognize this and make the necessary changes to adapt to customer needs in a highly competitive marketplace.

“We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience the CWU’s continued strike action will cause.

“We are doing all we can to minimise any delays and keep people, businesses and the country connected.”