Workers’ ballot raises spectre of pre-Christmas post strike

The Communication Workers’ Union said 125,000 of its members will be balloted over pay, jobs, pensions and the impact of any sell-off, with industrial action possible from October 10.

The move is a major challenge to the planned privatisation, although the Government said it will not alter its decision to sell shares in Royal Mail in this financial year.

The Royal Mail said industrial action, or the possibility of 
disruption, was damaging to 
the business, especially in the run-up to Christmas – its busiest 
time.

But the union warned a strike was “inevitable” unless a deal was agreed on a number of issues, including pay, further changes to workers’ pension scheme, the impact of possible privatisation on job security and terms and conditions, and the company’s future strategy.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “We have reached breaking point, particularly in delivery offices, and the culture has to change.”

It will be the first national postal ballot since a pay and conditions dispute in 2009.

The union said it had rejected a below-inflation pay offer linked to accepting major changes to working conditions and pensions.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Discussions over a new three-year agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU are continuing. We are committed to reaching an agreement with the CWU as soon as possible to give our customers and employees continued stability. We believe that focusing on the possibility of industrial action is inappropriate.”