So hi team, and I promised everyone an update on how we were getting on with the talks with the CWU.
I did meet Dave and Andy, Dave Ward and Andy Fury today twice, along with Stuart MacDonald, who's our head of industrial relations as well. And I know there's been some really growing expectation around this meeting. And what I'm seeing with all the contacts that I'm getting is that there's a real growing demand from, you know, from the people, from the team to get to get a deal done.
Today I actually bumped into my local postie as well. It's really sobering when you sit and listen to, you know, the impact on on the individuals as well. You know, I mean, people are concerned about the cost of 19 days worth of strike action. And I think it's nine from an individual perspective. But with the days that have been done and and are due to happen this week, I think it's 14 days or something like that for each individual.
It's a huge amount of money. And and I can see that there's a real growing desire for us to get around the table as well and do a deal. But if there's anything that I've taken out from today is that I think it's shown me that this is is really difficult. It's it's it's shown me just how difficult is going to be to to get an agreement. And and I think it's also shown me just how important having professional facilitation is actually going to be.
So the CWU seem pretty clear that they don't want to go to a ACAS and look, It's their choice. I Said that all along, but honestly, I think it's the wrong choice. I think that they should be going to a ACAS along with us because in my view and also Stuart's view as well and we've had a long chat about it this afternoon is we actually believe that some professional mediation and a very, very structured conversation is the way that we will get through this current situation.
And we need to get through this current situation for the business, for our people and actually, you know, for our customers. So I'm going to keep suggesting it, and I guess we'll have to see where we get to.
9 days isn't hard. 1 or maybe even 2 of those days will probably be on people's day off. Some may even have annual leave.
He really does think we are peasants who can't afford 7 or 8 days off. That shows you how badly we are paid.
I'd happily take the whole of December off to strike.
Then you are an exception
Most of the unions argument is our people are struggling through the cost of living crisis and need better pay
How does that tally with people like you saying you would happily lose a whole months pay?
Losing pay should not be treated lightly - its a sacrifice
True. But you also have to look at the bigger picture.
If striking - even over a protracted period - ultimately results in an additional 2% on basic pay (over and above what was imposed recently) and that's worth £10 per week, then a postie with 10 years until he reaches retirement age gains £5200 of pensionable pay by striking.
In that context, losing 15 days pay in 2022 is a price worth paying
I understand all that.
Im not arguing against the current strike plan - at all.
If you tolerate this, then your paid break will be next
“Our business to run”… Shows he also has utter contempt for the workforce. No respect whatsoever. 115,000 people Simon. Think about that. You’re happy to ruin your 115,000 lives in the pursuit of profit and shareholder divedends. How you sleep at night is beyond me.
*I bumped into my local postie", so did he have double or triple mail, did he cross over the other side of the road to avoid you, or did he tell you he was full of contempt, you sanctimonious t*@t?
*I bumped into my local postie", so did he have double or triple mail, did he cross over the other side of the road to avoid you, or did he tell you he was full of contempt, you sanctimonious t*@t?
Answers on a postcard please and send them to
Mr S Thompson
185 Farringdon Road
London
EC1A 1AA
That would be one way to use our old stamps up!
The postie will probably be getting pulled in for spending too long talking at the door step
If you tolerate this, then your paid break will be next
*I bumped into my local postie", so did he have double or triple mail, did he cross over the other side of the road to avoid you, or did he tell you he was full of contempt, you sanctimonious t*@t?
Answers on a postcard please and send them to
Mr S Thompson
185 Farringdon Road
London
EC1A 1AA
That would be one way to use our old stamps up!
Just a hunch, but I don't think that DO will have too many staffing issues.
A few days ago I first saw the phrase " our business to run" displayed on a photograph of a large screen at a motivational ( or childish) themed presentation for some of Simon's team.
Today , I again see the phrase "our business to run" used at the end of an update Simon was providing to HIS team on the outcome of the meeting with the CWU. This time the words "that's the way it's going to be" are added.
It is clear that this phrase or mission statement, reveals the thinking and attitude of Simon.
Be in no doubt Simon and HIS team believe Royal Mail is THEIR business and they believe they can do and will do whatever they want and that is the way it's going to be.
