London Post Strike As MPs Back Peace Move

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Source:Yahoo News

Dozens of MPs have backed a peace deal aimed at halting a wave of postal strikes.

An early day motion (EDM) tabled in the Commons supporting a peace offer put forward by the Communication Workers Union has been signed by more than 60 MPs.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) will announce tomorrow a series of strike dates that are likely to cripple the postal service in the run-up to Christmas.

The earliest they could walk out would be next Thursday.

A 24-hour strike by postal staff is taking place in London today.

The EDM, tabled by Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Geraldine Smith, reads: "This House welcomes the proposals put forward by the Communication Workers Union seeking to find a resolution to the current postal dispute, in particular their offer to explore the possibility of third party mediation, and calls on the Government to do all in its power to ensure that Royal Mail responds positively to the union's proposal."

Business secretary Lord Mandelson warned that a national postal strike would be a "suicidal act".

Postal workers have voted by three to one in favour of industrial action.

Dave Ward, the union's deputy general secretary, said: "Postal workers do not want to take strike action.

"But neither are they prepared to put up with continuing attacks from a management which is failing.

"We have offered what we believe is a genuine alternative to reach a lasting agreement."

Royal Mail managing director Mark Higson said: "If the union are serious about resolving this dispute they should immediately lift the threat of strike action."