Communication Workers Union general secretary Billy Hayes is absolutely confident that Royal Mail workers will vote to strike. The union has sent ballet papers to Royal Mail staff regarding their concerns about the service’s proposed privatisation.
The Royal Mail is scheduled to float in approximately four to six weeks after formal notice was issued by the government. Privatisation will allow the service to access much-needed investment capital to improve its service and compete with the large number of private parcel delivery firms targeting its customer base.
Mr Hayes has noted that the Royal Mail needs investment to compete with private delivery companies, but insists that privatisation could ‘damage’ the postal service and cause issues for workers regarding employment and compensation.
Royal Mail workers have been offered an 8.6 per cent pay increase, which will be issued over the next three years. Executives, such as Moya Greene, are aiming for agreement with staff regarding pay terms in order to avoid industrial action.
If a strike goes ahead, it will be the first for Royal Mail workers since 2009. Results from the recent ballot will be announced on October 3, potentially coinciding with the service’s privatisation timeline. The union must give at least seven days notice regarding industrial action in order to remain compliant with the law.
Despite claims from Royal Mail management that negotiations with Communication Workers Union staff are moving forward, insiders claim that the two parties have an incredibly strained relationship that is deteriorating as time goes on. The Royal Mail has announced that strikes were an ‘open question’ through a spokesperson.
Chief executive Moya Greene hopes to reach an agreement with the CWU before the privatisation goes ahead, noting that plans to strike ‘make no sense when there is a significant three-year deal on the table.’
