Royal Mail workers have begun a walkout consisting of 19 days of strikes threatening services over the next two months.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are continuing to take industrial action over a dispute over pay and working conditions. Further strikes could potentially disrupt the post over Black Friday and in the run-up to Christmas.
Halted negotiations means further strike days in December could be announced, the i has reported. Read on for a roundup of the various strike days, how services will be hit by the action, and what the Royal Mail advises households to do.
What days is the Royal Mail on strike?
CWU members at the Royal Mail who collect, sort and deliver parcels and letters are taking strike action over the coming weeks.
This week workers are taking action over 24 hours from 4am on Thursday, October 13. Following this walkout, there will be three more widespread strike dates:
- Thursday, October 20
- Tuesday, October 25
- Monday, November 28
CWU has also announced possible strikes that would hit various parts of the Royal Mail network across different days.
Potential strike action in November and December |
|
Network & national distribution |
November 8, 14, 23, 30 |
Parcel and letter processing and distribution, Royal Mail international parcel and letter services, collections (customer, Post Office, postbox) |
November 3, 9, 15, 24 & December 1 |
Parcel and letter deliveries |
November 4, 10, 16, 25 and December 2 |
How the strikes will affect the post - and what customers should do
On strike days, the Royal Mail says it will deliver as many Special Delivery and Tracked24 parcels as possible and prioritise the delivery of Covid test kits and medical prescriptions wherever possible.
However, households across the UK won't be receiving the post as letters won't be delivered - with the exception of Special Delivery mail.
Brits have been advised to send their post as early as possible in advance of the strike dates. People may continue to post things at post boxes or post offices, but collections will be less frequent when industrial action is taking place.
Will post offices be open?
Yes, the Royal Mail's post offices will still be open amid the walkouts, offering the "usual range" of services.
Customers have been warned to expect delays to items sent on strike days and on the days immediately after industrial action.
What are the last recommended posting days for Christmas?
It might feel too early to think about Christmas, but the Royal Mail has published its latest posting dates ahead of the festive season.
The service has urged customers: "Allow plenty of time for posting. Please post items and gifts for Christmas early, particularly for International deliveries.
"Ongoing Covid restrictions, reduced air and freight capacity, high volumes and winter weather conditions are all impacting transportation and local delivery across the globe."
Date |
Service |
Friday, December 16 |
Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy |
Monday, December 19 |
2nd Class, 2nd Class Signed For, Royal Mail 48 |
Wednesday, December 21 |
1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24, Royal Mail Tracked 48 |
Thursday 22 December |
Special Delivery Guaranteed, Royal Mail Tracked 24 |
Friday, December 23 |
Special Delivery Guaranteed with Saturday Guarantee |
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