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09/10/2007
Bitter Row Ensues As Postal Strike Continues
A bitter war of words has erupted between the Royal Mail and the Communication Workers' Union as the postal strike continues.
Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier rubbished CWU's claims that the way the firm treated its employees was like "slavery". Mr Crozier accused the union of talking "cobblers".
Talking to BBC Radio 4's 'Today' show, Mr Crozier said that Royal Mail was only trying to make staff work their paid hours.
He said: "We are simply asking people to work the 37 hours and 20 minutes they are getting paid to work and if they have to work longer, then of course they get paid overtime.
"For the union to say they can't accept this is frankly not a tenable position."
Up to 130,000 CWU members are continuing in another 48-hour strike, which began on Monday and will last until 3am on Wednesday.
The workers have been on strike in a row over pay and pensions and the firm's modernisation plans, which Royal Mail insist are necessary in order to ensure that it remains competitive, but which the CWU says will cost thousands of jobs.
Last night, the CWU announced that more strikes would take place from next Monday, unless an agreement could be reached, after the latest round of talks ended in deadlock.
A statement released by the CWU on Monday night said: "Real progress has been made in many areas, but there is agreement in none. The offer includes a pay increase of 6.9% over two years, but this is subject to linking unacceptable strings including a reduction in pensions benefits. Royal Mail's proposals also include flexibility proposals that mean, among other things, that postal workers will not know what job they are doing from one day to the next."
Royal Mail has criticised the union's demands, saying that they are "unrealistic".
(KMcA)
Royal Mail chief executive Adam Crozier rubbished CWU's claims that the way the firm treated its employees was like "slavery". Mr Crozier accused the union of talking "cobblers".
Talking to BBC Radio 4's 'Today' show, Mr Crozier said that Royal Mail was only trying to make staff work their paid hours.
He said: "We are simply asking people to work the 37 hours and 20 minutes they are getting paid to work and if they have to work longer, then of course they get paid overtime.
"For the union to say they can't accept this is frankly not a tenable position."
Up to 130,000 CWU members are continuing in another 48-hour strike, which began on Monday and will last until 3am on Wednesday.
The workers have been on strike in a row over pay and pensions and the firm's modernisation plans, which Royal Mail insist are necessary in order to ensure that it remains competitive, but which the CWU says will cost thousands of jobs.
Last night, the CWU announced that more strikes would take place from next Monday, unless an agreement could be reached, after the latest round of talks ended in deadlock.
A statement released by the CWU on Monday night said: "Real progress has been made in many areas, but there is agreement in none. The offer includes a pay increase of 6.9% over two years, but this is subject to linking unacceptable strings including a reduction in pensions benefits. Royal Mail's proposals also include flexibility proposals that mean, among other things, that postal workers will not know what job they are doing from one day to the next."
Royal Mail has criticised the union's demands, saying that they are "unrealistic".
(KMcA)
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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.
06 June 2003
End of line for trains as Royal Mail drops rail
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End of line for trains as Royal Mail drops rail
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04 May 2004
14.4 million letters lost every year by Royal Mail
Consumer group, Postwatch, have announced that thousands of letters are delivered to the wrong address every month, but few people complain to Royal Mail. The watchdog estimates that around 14.4 million letters are ‘lost’ every year, although around 60% of these are just simply posted through the wrong letterbox.
14.4 million letters lost every year by Royal Mail
Consumer group, Postwatch, have announced that thousands of letters are delivered to the wrong address every month, but few people complain to Royal Mail. The watchdog estimates that around 14.4 million letters are ‘lost’ every year, although around 60% of these are just simply posted through the wrong letterbox.
18 October 2004
Royal Mail urged to redouble efforts to stop mass mail scams
Royal Mail has been told to "tighten" its procedures in an effort to try to stop fraudsters using the postal system to get to consumers. The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) made the calls after statistics revealed that 67% of complaints about scams aimed at consumers relate to items delivered through the post.
Royal Mail urged to redouble efforts to stop mass mail scams
Royal Mail has been told to "tighten" its procedures in an effort to try to stop fraudsters using the postal system to get to consumers. The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) made the calls after statistics revealed that 67% of complaints about scams aimed at consumers relate to items delivered through the post.
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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.
