oyal mail the staff is ready to continue strike later this month in a dispute over “further attacks on jobs and wages”.
unitethe union of managers, says industrial action will continue with Royal Mail’s plan to cut 700 jobs and cut wages by up to £7,000, despite paying out £400m to shareholders and posting a profit of £311m.
More than 2,000 executives plan to go on strike as a result.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said in a statement: “This company is awash in cash, but it puts profits and dividends for the few at the top above its public service duties.
“There is not a single aspect of these cuts that has to do with improving customer service. They are driven entirely by a culture of greed and profit that has seized a 500-year-old essential service, nearly destroying it.
“Our members are determined to force the company to change direction, and they have the full support of Unite.”
When could Royal Mail workers go on strike?
The Unite union says 2,400 managers will work to rule on July 15-19, meaning they will follow official rules and hours exactly to reduce their output and efficiency.
This will be followed by strike action on 20-22 July.
What could happen during the Royal Mail strikes?
The Unite union says the following will happen during the strikes:
- Deliveries are not covered
- Managers take a break and start and finish on time
- Managers take their rest days and leave units without a manager on site
- Volunteering on weekends is not covered
- Units do not have a person responsible for the safety of personnel and buildings
- Goodwill to work extra unpaid hours ends
- Some important services, such as next day delivery and items with tracking, will be delayed
- Postal workers may refuse to cross picket lines or work in unattended buildings
Why are Royal Mail employees on strike?
Unite the national officer with responsibility for Royal Mail, Mike Eatwell, said in a statement: “Our members have been forced to take industrial action because those who run Royal Mail don’t feel like it.
“We’ve had another thorough look at Royal Mail’s proposals and it’s worse than we first thought. The company plans to cut 700 posts on top of 1,200 cuts last year. It’s already running on vape, depending on the dedication and professionalism of Unite members to keep the service together.
“For the managers who remain, they face salary cuts of up to £7,000. People who have given their working life to this company will lose their home. It is therefore no wonder that our members are angry and ready to take strike action.
“Royal Mail knows what to do if it wants to avoid these strikes. Step back from these cuts and make a serious offer to Unite members that will restore jobs and keep wages. Royal Mail can easily afford to do the right thing.”