Striking postal workers in Stirling will no longer head out on strike today after a fresh two-week walkout was postponed.
The planned action from the Communication Workers Union (CWU) would have seen Royal Mail staff head out on strike for the next three days, as well as November 9 and 10 all in a dispute over pay and jobs.
However, after a letter from Royal Mail threatening legal action against the union over the strike action, it has been put on hold until November 12.
The planned walkout for this week was backed by Stirling’s MP as he co-signed a letter calling on Royal Mail’s chief executive officer, Simon Thompson, to find an acceptable solution.
It followed a threat from Royal Mail earlier this month of potential job losses, with the company threatening to cut 10,000 jobs by August 2023, citing “delays in delivering agreed productivity improvements and lower parcel volumes” as well as the impact of industrial action.
CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “We recognise the deep frustration felt by many members over this decision.
“But the fact remains that the current direction of Royal Mail doesn’t benefit the company, the community or the country.
“We still need to secure a decent future of this industry, and no attempts to attack our union and our members will change our determination in fighting for that.”
Mr Smith said: “This ongoing dispute risks severe disruption to both deliveries, and the livelihoods of valued postal workers.
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“Royal Mail staff were on the frontlines during the pandemic - it would be extremely poor for Royal Mail’s management to now jeopardise the financial security of local Stirling postal workers, amidst a cost of living crisis.
“Excuses don’t wash - millions of pounds in profit have been handed to shareholders, whilst postal workers are told there’s no money for fair wages.
“The decision to strike will not have been easy for any of them, but this is about more than pay; it is also about protecting the universal mail service we all expect and value.”
The latest update from Royal Mail revealed a fresh pay offer from the firm to CWU, which includes a seven per cent salary increase over two years, plus a lump sum payment of two per cent this year. The offer has been made subject to agreeing a ‘programme of change’ with the union - including changes to Sunday working, start times and flexible working.
Royal Mail’s chief executive officer, Simon Thompson said: “Royal Mail made a loss of £219 million in the first half of the year. This once again demonstrates that the need for change at Royal Mail is urgent. We have always been clear that the more we can change the business, the more we will be able to pay our people – both now and in the future. We urge the CWU leadership to accept the change and pay offer without delay, call off damaging strike action, and help us to transform the business.”
