News

Delegates meeting at the TUC Congress in Bournemouth have unanimously approved a motion submitted by the Communications Workers Union to oppose the coalition Government's plans to privatise Royal Mail. The motion unites the British Trade Union Movement behind the Save Our Royal Mail campaign and CWU and Unite the Union's opposition to the sell off the storied British postal service.



CWU Deputy General Secretary Dave Ward and Unite Deputy General Secretary Tony Burke spoke out against the plan at the Congress, receiving applause as they outlined the details of their unions' campaigns to defeat the proposal. Just moments after Ed Milliband addressed Congress, Ward called on the Labour Party to join the TUC in the campaign to redouble efforts to defeat privatisation.



The text of the motion as adopted is as follows:



Congress notes the intention of the Coalition Government to privatise Royal Mail. Privatisation will lead to higher prices for domestic and small business customers. Private owners will press for the removal of the current universal service and uniform tariff obligations. Inevitably service will decline for rural and remote areas.

Congress rejects the government's suggestion that this is the only method that can secure investment for the service. In the previous year Royal Mai made £411 million profit as a public service, and could become self-financing. Without changing ownership, Royal Mail could borrow money from markets, at a cheaper rate, in line with companies such as Network Rail. Such methods of investment operate throughout the EU for government related entities such as Royal Mail.

Congress applauds the decision of postal workers to reject privatisation in an independent ballot by 96% on a 74% turnout. This was despite government attempts to buy-off the workforce with suggestions of a distribution of shares to staff.

Congress registers that the CWU is in dispute with Royal Mail on future terms and conditions, and supports its campaign to defend these.

Further, Congress supports Post Office staff who have undertaken a number of days strike action for justice on pay, and against the downgrading of the Crown Office network. Congress pledges its support for an equitable settlement.

Congress agrees to support the campaign to Save Our Royal Mail (SORM), and directs the General Council to ensure the TUC's participation in its initiatives.