News

Royal Mail workers in the UK receive their ballot papers today as the nationwide vote over industrial action gets underway. The Communication Workers Union is balloting 100,000 of its members over the government's plans to privatise the UK's national postal service, as well as changes to salaries and pensions.



The vote closes on Wednesday 16th October.



As voting got underway, the Department for Business announced that Royal Mail will be listed on the London Stock Exchange next month, “long before” a possible strike could take place. The company is to be valued at between £2.6bn and £3.3bn, the government says.



CWU General Secretary Billy Hayes said, "Royal Mail is profitable and can continue to be successful in the public sector. The sale is driven by political dogma, not economic necessity, and postal workers and the CWU will continue to fight to save services as well as defend their terms and conditions."



At the UNI Europa Post & Logistics Conference, taking place this week in Evora, Portugal, delegates unanimously adopted an emergency motion of solidarity with CWU and Unite/CMA as the government pushes through with its privatisation plan. Conference noted that it supports the anticipated strike action by CWU and that all affiliates of UNI Europa are prepared to stand with the UK colleagues in their fight.



UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings said, "Every postal worker in the United Kingdom has UNI Global Union’s full support and solidarity during this difficult time."



“It’s clear that the government, sadly, is trying to rush this floatation through before Royal Mail workers can have a say about their own futures and livelihoods. The CWU is absolutely justified in seeking protections for the jobs, terms and conditions of its workers.