CWU CALL 48 HOUR NATIONAL POSTAL STRIKE

For immediate release

5th October 2017

CWU CALL 48 HOUR NATIONAL POSTAL STRIKE

The Communication Workers Union has today served notice on Royal Mail Group for the 48 hour strike beginning at 11am on Thursday 19th October. This will involve 111,000 postal workers.

This action follows the historical 89.1 yes vote on a 73.7% turnout announced by the union on Thursday.

Deputy General Secretary (Postal) Terry Pullinger said: “It is highly disappointing that after 18 months of negotiations including external mediation that we have reached this point. Royal Mail Group management have clearly moved away from the spirit and intent of our agreements and the empty promises of privatisation, and have suffered a huge vote of no confidence from their employees and CWU members as a consequence.

“People are extremely angry and will now express that by overwhelmingly supporting this strike action in order to shift Royal Mail Group from their entrenched position, protect themselves and this great public service”

General Secretary Dave Ward said: “This is a watershed dispute that will determine not only our member’s pensions, jobs and pay but also the future of the service.

“Postal workers delivered a massive yes vote for strike action and we are determined to take whatever steps are necessary to deliver an agreement that will protect and enhance our member’s terms and conditions and improve the range of services on offer to customers.

“As well as this call to action, the CWU will now launch a major campaign to gain public and political support for postal workers. This is your service. We must work together to save it.”

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