Royal Mail threatened with post strike in six weeks

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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ROYAL Mail has been threatened with nationwide strike action by the Communication Workers Union which has demanded an “above inflation, no strings” pay deal guaranteed for 10 years.

The CWU said it will ballot the 125,000 Royal Mail workers on September 20 with a view to calling a national post strike on October 10 if an agreement is not reach.

Business trade bodies have condemned the move as “unjustified” and a threat to companies. Graeme Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “Strike action would be unjustified, highly irresponsible and would hit businesses hard. It would serve only to undermine the reputation of the Royal Mail at a time when the focus should be on making the most of the privatisation process.”
The CMU says the dispute is “regarding the settlement of its 2013 pay offer, further claims to workers’ pension scheme, the impact of possible privatisation on job security... and the company’s future strategy.”

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “We are dealing with a company that is preparing for privatisation with relish. While the union continues to fight privatisation we are also dealing with the potential realities for workers if there is a change of ownership.”
Experts said the CWU’s strike could be legally challenged by Royal Mail if the company thinks the union is calling the walk out for political reasons. The Trade Union and Labour Relations Act states that strike action must relate to working conditions.

In July Royal Mail offered a 8.6pc pay rise that would be legally protected for three years. It was the first time the company had considered entering a legal agreement with the union. Royal Mail’s offer, which included an additional £300 Christmas payment for each worker, was rejected.

The CWU said it had rejected the “below inflation pay offer” and instead is “demanding a straight-forward, above inflation, no strings pay deal”. The wants the deal to be backed by “an agreement on terms and conditions being protected for 10 years in the event of change of ownership.”

In a statement Royal Mail said it was “very disappointed” by the CWU’s threat. “We are committed to reaching an agreement with the CWU as soon as possible to give our customers and employees continued stability,” the company said. “We believe that focusing on the possibility of industrial action is inappropriate.”

It added: “Royal Mail operates in a very competitive market, especially in the parcels market. We recognise that customers have a choice and can move their business quickly.”

The IoD’s Mr Leach said: “Contingency plans to negate the effect of any strike should be put in place, and the government must hold firm in its commitment to modernising this vital service. If it comes to it, the government should consider reaching out to all existing private providers in an effort to overcome trade union intransigence.”

[Lincox]

Mr Leach is talking like a child who has thrown his toys out of the pram. It is the fckng directors of big business in the UK and especially Royal Mail who rip this country off to the tune of billions. Without a well paid, well treated and focused workforce, you are nothing and your businesses will end up where they deserve to be. Down the Swanny.

[UnhappyGremlin]

Business trade bodies have condemned the move as “unjustified” and a threat to companies. Graeme Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “Strike action would be unjustified, highly irresponsible and would hit businesses hard. It would serve only to undermine the reputation of the Royal Mail at a time when the focus should be on making the most of the privatisation process.”

The focus is on trying to stop it. Only the select few are aiming to make the most of it, i.e. profiteering. Wonder if Mr. Leach is planning to buy some shares?

The CMU says the dispute is “regarding the settlement of its 2013 pay offer, further claims to workers’ pension scheme, the impact of possible privatisation on job security... and the company’s future strategy.”

Hence the desire for a long term agreement, as we know the company's strategy will be to attack pay and pensions at the first opportunity.

Experts said the CWU’s strike could be legally challenged by Royal Mail if the company thinks the union is calling the walk out for political reasons. The Trade Union and Labour Relations Act states that strike action must relate to working conditions.

My pension is not a political reason. It is part of my pay and benefits package, which I want to defend against the vultures, who want to decimate it in order to provide higher profits post privatisation, to line the pockets of our political masters scumbag mates.

In July Royal Mail offered a 8.6pc pay rise that would be legally protected for three years.

Though not guaranteed.

Royal Mail’s offer, which included an additional £300 Christmas payment for each worker, was rejected.

Again, not guaranteed. It was a no strike bonus, not an absolute, definite payment.

In a statement Royal Mail said it was “very disappointed” by the CWU’s threat. “We are committed to reaching an agreement with the CWU as soon as possible to give our customers and employees continued stability,” the company said. “We believe that focusing on the possibility of industrial action is inappropriate.”

Usual tripe from RM.

The IoD’s Mr Leach said: “Contingency plans to negate the effect of any strike should be put in place, and the government must hold firm in its commitment to modernising this vital service. If it comes to it, the government should consider reaching out to all existing private providers in an effort to overcome trade union intransigence.”

Outrageous. There is no interest in real modernisation. Only in slashing jobs, costs, obliterating the service RM provides to increase profits as high and as fast as possible.
Easy to see which side this guy is on.