Post unions pull out of exercise

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Unite have written to the Government saying that the exercise is an “expensive” political move to prepare the Post Office for mutualisation.

CWU members in Crown Post Offices have had 11 rounds of strikes against plans to franchise or close over 70 branches, and are also in dispute about pay and jobs.

Deputy general secretary Dave Ward said: “It’s impossible for us to continue being involved in this engagement exercise when the company refuses to listen to the concerns of its own staff.

“Our members have taken an incredible 11 rounds of strike action in defence of their jobs, services and pay, yet the company has so far refused to budge, choosing instead to spend tens of thousands of pounds on sending managers out to try to cover strike days.”

A Post Office spokeswoman said: “Both the CWU and Unite are members of the Stakeholder Forum.

“It is disappointing that they do not feel they can be part of the public engagement exercise.

“We will, of course, be ensuring that people working across the Post Office network will have the opportunity to share their views as these are extremely important to us.”