28/10/2009
Further Postal Strikes 'Less Likely'
While more than 30 million items of mail were delayed during last week's strikes, it has emerged today that union leaders are having second thoughts about an escalation.
They are to decide today whether or not a new wave of postal strikes will go ahead this week as planned.
The postal executive of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will meet to discuss progress made during talks with the Royal Mail and a final decision on industrial action will then be announced just hours before the walkout is due to begin at 4am on Thursday.
The two sides in the dispute have spent the last two days in negotiations chaired by TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber.
He said the talks were "useful" and added that more work would be done to try to reach an agreement on jobs, pay and modernisation.
The union's postal executive has been briefed by negotiators, led by Deputy General Secretary Dave Ward.
On the management side, Royal Mail Managing Director Mark Higson has likewise reported back to Chief Executive Adam Crozier.
However, if the hopes are not realised, then 120,000 postal workers are due to strike on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the CWU said.
This will be a staged plan of strike action and will follow a similar pattern to that last week.
Two 24-hour walkouts last week, led to the 30 million items of mail being delayed - although this figure was far less than had been initially anticapted by management - thanks in large part to pre-planning for the strike.
The union announced that 43,700 staff in mail centres, as well as drivers and garage staff, will strike on Thursday.
The following day, 400 workers in Plymouth, Stockport and Stoke who deal with badly addressed mail, will walk out.
Further disruption to mail deliveries is expected on Saturday when 77,000 delivery and collection staff go on strike.
(BMcC/KMcA)
They are to decide today whether or not a new wave of postal strikes will go ahead this week as planned.
The postal executive of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) will meet to discuss progress made during talks with the Royal Mail and a final decision on industrial action will then be announced just hours before the walkout is due to begin at 4am on Thursday.
The two sides in the dispute have spent the last two days in negotiations chaired by TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber.
He said the talks were "useful" and added that more work would be done to try to reach an agreement on jobs, pay and modernisation.
The union's postal executive has been briefed by negotiators, led by Deputy General Secretary Dave Ward.
On the management side, Royal Mail Managing Director Mark Higson has likewise reported back to Chief Executive Adam Crozier.
However, if the hopes are not realised, then 120,000 postal workers are due to strike on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the CWU said.
This will be a staged plan of strike action and will follow a similar pattern to that last week.
Two 24-hour walkouts last week, led to the 30 million items of mail being delayed - although this figure was far less than had been initially anticapted by management - thanks in large part to pre-planning for the strike.
The union announced that 43,700 staff in mail centres, as well as drivers and garage staff, will strike on Thursday.
The following day, 400 workers in Plymouth, Stockport and Stoke who deal with badly addressed mail, will walk out.
Further disruption to mail deliveries is expected on Saturday when 77,000 delivery and collection staff go on strike.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 October 2007
Wildcat Strikes Hype Postal Dispute
Fresh wildcat strikes by postal workers are taking place in London, Liverpool and Glasgow, according to reports. It is understood that the unofficial action was sparked by working conditions, namely changes to flexible working, rather than pay and pensions, which was at the centre of the 48-hour official strike earlier this week.
Wildcat Strikes Hype Postal Dispute
Fresh wildcat strikes by postal workers are taking place in London, Liverpool and Glasgow, according to reports. It is understood that the unofficial action was sparked by working conditions, namely changes to flexible working, rather than pay and pensions, which was at the centre of the 48-hour official strike earlier this week.
08 October 2009
Vote For UK Mail Strike Questioned
It could be a cold festive season this year as the Christmas post is now in doubt. But while it looks like being seriously affected now that Royal Mail workers have voted for a national strike - management insist that a majority are not in favour.
Vote For UK Mail Strike Questioned
It could be a cold festive season this year as the Christmas post is now in doubt. But while it looks like being seriously affected now that Royal Mail workers have voted for a national strike - management insist that a majority are not in favour.
29 October 2009
Postal Strikes Continue
A new series of postal strikes has begun today, after talks between the Royal Mail and the union broke down yesterday. The strikes began this morning at 4am, with 43,700 staff in mail centres, network logistic drivers and garage staff walking out on strike.
Postal Strikes Continue
A new series of postal strikes has begun today, after talks between the Royal Mail and the union broke down yesterday. The strikes began this morning at 4am, with 43,700 staff in mail centres, network logistic drivers and garage staff walking out on strike.
03 November 2009
Legal Action Threat Over Mail Strike
Royal Mail is facing legal action over the recruitment of 30,000 agency staff during strikes. The Communication Workers Union are to go to the High Court on Friday to seek an injunction against Royal Mail using the temporary staff while the industrial dispute over modernisation plans continues.
Legal Action Threat Over Mail Strike
Royal Mail is facing legal action over the recruitment of 30,000 agency staff during strikes. The Communication Workers Union are to go to the High Court on Friday to seek an injunction against Royal Mail using the temporary staff while the industrial dispute over modernisation plans continues.
22 October 2009
Royal Mail Hit By National Stoppage
Postal services across the UK are set for major disruption this week as the first nationwide postal strike in two years began this morning at 4am. It takes place after talks between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) broke down.
Royal Mail Hit By National Stoppage
Postal services across the UK are set for major disruption this week as the first nationwide postal strike in two years began this morning at 4am. It takes place after talks between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) broke down.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.