04/03/2002

Top Consignia directors decline 10 per cent pay hike

Two senior directors of postal company Consignia have decided not to accept a 10 per cent pay rise following anger among postal unions.

The pay rises were recommended for Consignia Chief Executive John Roberts and Head of Mail Services Jerry Cope and was backed by the Department of Trade and Industry, even though the company is currently making huge losses.

The decision was also taken as The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which is fighting for a five per cent pay rise for postal workers, had accused the company of "double standards".

The CWU, which wants a weekly minimum of £300 for postal workers by 2004, has rejected Consignia's offer of a 2.8 per cent pay rise.

It is believed that the pay rises were recommended because two recently appointed members of the company's executive board had been earning more than the chief executive.

Mr Roberts' current basic salary is put at £205,000 per annum, while Mr Cope receives £140,000 per annum.

In comparison the average pay of a postal worker is £250 a week, or about £13,000 a year.

(MB)

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