Royal Mail postmen deal signed, sealed and delivered

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-storie ... -22096603/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Posties could pocket almost £5,000 from a landmark three-year wage deal which is set to end a period of bitter strikes.

But it could also lead to sweeping job cuts and office closures as the company introduces high-tech sorting machines.

The agreement, thrashed out between unions and management, includes one-off payments of about £2,500 plus a £25 a week pay increase, in details revealed last night.

The deal contained in an 80-page document also includes a one-hour cut in the working week to 39 hours including meal breaks, as revealed in the Mirror last week.

Critically, union leaders have also secured a pledge to maintain a work-force with at least 75% in full-time jobs. Both sides hailed it as a significant breakthrough last night and the agreement will now be put to a vote of the union's 130,000 members.

If they accept the recommendation of the Communication Workers Union's 17-strong national executive committee it will be a triumph for Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier, ending a period of bitter strikes.

REWARDED

Dave Ward, deputy leader of the CWU, said: "It's been a long time coming, but this deal delivers on the major issues which postal workers have fought for.

"There's a balance of pay and operational changes which will help offset job losses and ensure our members are fairly rewarded for change. We have always said that we couldn't face away from change.

"The agreement recognises the reality of automation, competition and the financial challenges facing the company. But it does so in a way that puts the interests of CWU members at its heart."

The deal offers workers a £400 "sweetener" for backing the agreement plus £1,000 when they adopt new working practices in their office. Other bonuses, including £20 a week to deliver business mail, and profit share, will boost this to £2,500 says the union.

In addition, workers will receive a 2% rise in basic pay from April 2010, another 1.4% in April next year and 3.5% in 2012. The increases add up to an extra £2,300 over three years. Mr Crozier said: "This agreement is good for the business as it allows Royal Mail to get on with its much-needed £2billion modernisation programme. It's a good and fair deal for our people, and it's a good deal for our customers as it ensures stability over the next three years." It also means company boss Mr Crozier will soon be able to leave for his new job running ITV on a high and collect a bonus of up to £2 million.

[clashcityrocker]

With every new "news" article the amount of money we are getting seems to rise exponentially.
At this rate I will need to open an offshore account by the end of next week.

[Pat Ostman]

With every new "news" article the amount of money we are getting seems to rise exponentially.
At this rate I will need to open an offshore account by the end of next week.

£5000 now? Pretty soon (around £35,000) I will have to say yes!

[rocky7]

Is the money offered on top of the phantom shares or instead of

[mrpostman85]

My d2d's currently earn me £40 per week coz my round is huge. a colleague of mine does a firms delivery with 6 residential houses. My earnings go down by £20 his go up by £20. Should i do more work for the same money anyone know.....? THIS F&&KIN STINKS!

[peeech]

My d2d's currently earn me £40 per week coz my round is huge. a colleague of mine does a firms delivery with 6 residential houses. My earnings go down by £20 his go up by £20. Should i do more work for the same money anyone know.....? THIS F&&KIN STINKS!

If you get £12 pay protection that is also included in the £20 so you are going from £40 to £8.What a great deal.Thank god the union are strong!!!

[smarterdarter]

Don't worry, think of all the extra D2D payments you will get on your lapsing

[Stormproof]

The press are really pissing me off, how about telling the truth and printing what the workers think about this deal. I'm sure there are a few journos lurking on this site, time to do what you are paid for and tell the truth!

[suz67]

looks like we've been shafted AGAIN!! i can't believe they've spent nearly 3 months negotiating this load of crap,make no mistake take away the £12 a week shift allowance and we'll be delivering 6 D2D's a week for 8 quid,and don't believe for one minute management are gonna put more time into your duty for extra prep etc.as for the £400 sweetener paid in april we were gonna get that in june anyway! so how is that a bonus? and i'll bet anyone the phantom shares will plunge in value the closer it gets to cashing in time.

[opgpat]

One way to get the press to smell the coffe would be a vote of no confidence in the CWU.