Poor deal accepted in the post

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by Yuri Prasad

Postal workers have accepted a deal to end their long running dispute with Royal Mail.

The settlement, which was heavily promoted by the leadership of the CWU union, was backed by 66 percent of those who returned their ballot papers.

Many union activists rightly point out that Royal Mail wanted to drive the CWU out of the industry, and bosses talked up last years’ strikes as the union’s last stand.

Instead, the newly agreed deal sees the union firmly in place, with the company agreeing to consult on any future changes to working practices.

However, the large numbers voting against the deal—34 percent—reflects the feelings of many rank and file postal workers that the union made too many concessions.

Under the agreement, thousands of jobs will go as mail centres face closure. In addition, many workers in deliveries will find themselves working harder for less money.

Extra payments for delivering junk mail will be incorporated in regular wages but at a level that means that many workers will lose out.

Many working in deliveries will find that Saturday becomes a regular working day. This will wreck relationships with friends and families.

For these reasons, Socialist Worker supporters in Royal Mail were against calling off the strikes at the end of last year, and called for a no vote in the ballot.


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