Postal workers begin massive strike Video

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Up to 25,000 postal workers are taking industrial action in a row over pay and jobs that is threatening huge disruption to mail deliveries.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has said members in areas including the West Country, London, East Anglia, the Midlands and Scotland would strike until Monday.

Royal Mail said more than 90% of staff nationally will continue to work normally, and that with the exception of local strikes, the "vast majority" of customers' services will be operating normally over the next few days.

Paul Tolhurst, Royal Mail's operations director, said: "They (CWU) agreed with us only last week a timetable for further talks on change, yet they now announce a national strike ballot. Their behaviour beggars belief."

Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of the CWU, said: "Postal workers are sick and tired of an incompetent management running their business into the ground. Workers are busier than ever and being treated badly. The current round of cuts in jobs and services is unacceptable."

It is the biggest outbreak of unrest since a national stoppage in 2007, with more disruption threatened in the coming months.

The union's executive has also decided to hold a national ballot of its 160,000 postal members in September which could lead to nationwide strikes in October.