Postal workers are to take industrial action this month over
a bitter row over pay and conditions. Walk-outs will take place on 5/6 October
and 8/9 October followed by a rolling programme of strikes until the dispute is
resolved.
Union leaders warned that the Royal Mail was about to implement changes to the conditions of postal workers as it announced provocative executive action over pensions, terms and conditions, ending Sunday collections, closures and job cuts. Oxford and Reading Mail Centres are to close.
Royal Mail had improved its original 2.5% pay offer, which was heavily rejected by postal workers and led to a series of national walk-outs over the summer. The company is now offering a two-year deal worth 6.7%.
However, Royal Mail was sticking to its pension proposals which would see an increase in the retirement age and increased contributions. The final salary scheme would be closed to all new entrants. The union's postal executive has therefore announced a ballot for strike action in all other sectors such as Parcel Force.
This comes at a time when the government is attempting to impose a 2% limit on the public sector. Brown warned unions in his keynote address to TUC delegates there would be "no loss of discipline" over public sector pay in the future.
Royal Mail is now saying that any deal with the union must include "total flexibility", which means the declaration of all-out war with postal workers. Local management has refused to talk with union reps. Royal Mail bosses have thrown down the gauntlet! We have no alternative but to fight.
If the management refuses to budge over these attacks
following this month's programme of action, the union has no alternative but to
go for all-out industrial action. This should be linked up with the other
public sector unions who are also in the firing line. A national public sector
strike would soon bring management to its senses and also force the Brown government
to retreat.