Royal Mail workers continue to strike over pay and conditions dispute
Today was the latest of 19 days of industrial action
Royal Mail workers are striking in the latest of 19 days of industrial action that began on October 13th in a long-running dispute over pay and conditions.
In Stratford, workers stood outside in the rain holding up signs which read 'on strike fro fair pay'.
Royal Mail announced on October 14th that as many as 6,000 jobs could be cut over the next year, with more at risk in the future, as the dispute continues.
The CWU says that employees who received a Real Living Wage (RLW) adjustment in April wouldn’t receive an annual pay rise, with the majority of cleaners affected by the decision.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said:
"On Friday, 14 October, we announced losses of £219 million in the first half of the year. This once again demonstrates the urgent need for Royal Mail to change.
"Further strike action would materially increase our losses for the full year and may necessitate further operational restructuring and job losses.
"Four weeks have passed since we invited the CWU to enter talks with Acas to resolve the change and pay dispute. We once again urge the CWU to join us in Acas talks.
"This is the only way to reach a resolution and secure Royal Mail's future and jobs for our people.
Royal Mail said it would do what it could to keep services running, but the strike was likely to cause disruption.
No letters will be delivered during strike days but as many special deliveries and Tracked24 parcels as possible would be delivered.
It also said it would prioritise the delivery of Covid-19 test kits and medical prescriptions.
A statement from the Royal Mail read:
"We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience the CWU's continued strike action will cause. We are doing all we can to minimise delays and keep people, businesses and the country connected."