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Union sets Royal Mail strike date | Union sets Royal Mail strike date |
(10 minutes later) | |
Royal Mail workers are to hold a 24-hour strike on Friday, 29 June, the main postal union has confirmed. | Royal Mail workers are to hold a 24-hour strike on Friday, 29 June, the main postal union has confirmed. |
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) blamed the walkout on Royal Mail bosses not taking negotiations seriously, and said further strikes could follow. | The Communications Workers Union (CWU) blamed the walkout on Royal Mail bosses not taking negotiations seriously, and said further strikes could follow. |
The Royal Mail has yet to comment on the strike announcement. | The Royal Mail has yet to comment on the strike announcement. |
It has insisted all along that it cannot afford to raise its existing 2.5% pay offer. The nationwide walkout will be the first since 1996. | It has insisted all along that it cannot afford to raise its existing 2.5% pay offer. The nationwide walkout will be the first since 1996. |
'Refusing to negotiate' | 'Refusing to negotiate' |
"We've tried our hardest to reach a negotiated settlement with the company, but the truth is again that Royal Mail are refusing to negotiate whatsoever on reaching a settlement before strike action takes place," said CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward. | "We've tried our hardest to reach a negotiated settlement with the company, but the truth is again that Royal Mail are refusing to negotiate whatsoever on reaching a settlement before strike action takes place," said CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward. |
"We have also agreed further strike action within two weeks from 29 June that is designed to maximise the impact on Royal Mail but at minimum cost to the CWU members." | |
Mr Ward added that the strike would include Post Office workers as well as Royal Mail delivery staff. | Mr Ward added that the strike would include Post Office workers as well as Royal Mail delivery staff. |
In addition to the pay issue, the CWU is also unhappy at the Royal Mail's restructuring plans, which it claims will cause up to 40,000 job losses. | In addition to the pay issue, the CWU is also unhappy at the Royal Mail's restructuring plans, which it claims will cause up to 40,000 job losses. |
Bosses at the Royal Mail counter that the organisation needs to make itself more efficient to be better able to compete against its rivals. | Bosses at the Royal Mail counter that the organisation needs to make itself more efficient to be better able to compete against its rivals. |
CWU members at the Royal Mail voted for the strike action with a majority of 77% on a turnout of 60%. | CWU members at the Royal Mail voted for the strike action with a majority of 77% on a turnout of 60%. |