More than 115,000 Royal Mail workers are set to balloted for industrial action in a row over pay.
Staff at the privatised postal giant could go on strike in the coming months, severely impacting postal and parcel deliveries.
If there is a yes vote for action, it would be the biggest yet in what is turning into a summer of discontent among workers demanding higher pay in the face of the cost of living crisis.
The Communication Workers Union accused bosses at the privatised postal giant of being “P&O in sheep’s clothing”.
Royal Mail yesterday (Wed) announced a 2% pay rise for workers, back-dated to April 1.
Simon Thompson, Royal Mail chief executive, said: “I am sorry that despite our best efforts, we haven’t managed to agree on a pay deal with CWU.
“We have held several talks with them over recent weeks, but unfortunately, we made little progress and they have ended.
“I am also disappointed that the CWU has already chosen to ballot when we know how damaging the threat of industrial action is to our business.”
The ballot for industrial action is due to open early next week.
Terry Pullinger, the CWU’s Deputy General Secretary (Postal), criticised what he called the “ridiculous strategic decision” to impose a pay rise when inflation is running at a 40-year high of 9%.
Urging members to hold firm, Mr Pullinger warned that there was a “major breakdown of trust” between the CWU and management,
He branded the company “P&O in sheep’s clothing”, in reference to the recent mass sacking of 800 seafarers by the ferry firm.
Mr Pullinger said: “It is an absolute outrage - 2% is nowhere near acceptable.”
He added: “It is a major breakdown in relationships and trust on any level.”
