Royal Mail has written to the CWU, saying that if it removes the threat of strike action over the Christmas peak, Royal Mail will enter into discussions without preconditions.
With strike action targeted at Black Friday and Cyber Monday e-commerce retail promotions Royal Mail said it will also extend the life of the ballot result by the same amount of time as the pause on industrial action, although the ballot result for industrial action does not necessarily mean that industrial action will take place.
Ricky McAulay, Royal Mail National Service delivery director said: “If the CWU agrees to rule out industrial action for the remainder of the calendar year – a critical time for our customers, we will commit to holding open discussions with no preconditions aimed at resolving the dispute.”
In response to Royal Mail’s offer the CWU tweeted that it was “a total sham designed to undermine the CWU and any prospect of an agreement”.
Furthermore, the CWU tweeted in response to press reports today (1 November) that the strike could have an effect on postal votes in the lead-up to the 12th December general election: “Tories attacking us over potential strike during election 1. Our ballot was called well before election. You are interfering with us not the other way round 2. If you and Lib Dem mates hadn’t forced the outrageous privatisation of Royal Mail we wouldn’t be here.”
By Michelle Mooney
