Thousands of postal workers at Royal Mail have voted in favour of taking strike action following a pay dispute.
More than 115,000 workers in the Communication Workers Union (CWC) - around 96.7% of the vote - balloted in favour of industrial action from a 77pc turnout. Members have been balloting for three weeks after saying they deserved a ‘dignified, proper pay rise’.
The result of the ballot was announced by the union’s general secretary, Dave Ward, and the deputy general secretary, Terry Pullinger, this afternoon (July 19). Mr Pullinger described the vote as ‘unprecedented’, with some predicting the action could lead to one of the biggest strikes in recent months following similar industrial action from Post Office workers and rail staff.
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The CWC described Royal Mail’s initial offering of a 2pc pay rise as a ‘serious real-terms wage cut’ due to inflation and the effects of the cost of living crisis. The organisation said it had recently offered a ‘deal worth up to 5.5pc for CWU grade colleagues’.
Mr Ward said: “Postal workers won’t accept their living standards being hammered by bosses who are typical of business leaders today – overpaid, underqualified, out of their depth. In our country right now, corporate failure gets rewarded over and over again.
“It’s pathetic that CEOs take home lottery win salaries then offer real-terms pay cuts to people who made them their profit. The CWU’s message to Royal Mail’s leadership is loud and clear – not a single postal worker in this country will budge until you get serious and give them a dignified, proper pay rise.”
The union’s general secretary said the ballot was also a vote of no confidence in Royal Mail’s chief executive and its board.
He explained: “This stunning result is a testament to the phenomenal efforts made by CWU members across the country. It is also a vote of no confidence in Royal Mail’s chief executive and board, who should seriously consider their futures in our industry.
“Crucially, the vote can leave no doubt that postal workers are united, and that they are demanding the proper pay rise they deserve. While bosses rake in £758 million in profit and shareholders take £400 million, workers are expected to take a serious real-terms pay cut.”
Despite the results of the vote, industrial action is not immediate and there is a required minimum notice period of 14 days between notification and the beginning of any strike. CWU said it will continue to work with Royal Mail over negotiations.
Royal Mail said it has been unable to engage ‘in any meaningful discussion’ with CWU representatives and described today’s vote announcement as ‘disappointing’ but stressed that contingency plans in the event of industrial action will be in place if necessary.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that CWU members have voted in favour of industrial action.
“We offered a deal worth up to 5.5% for CWU grade colleagues, the biggest increase we have offered for many years, which the CWU rejected. We can only fund this offer by making the changes that will pay for it and ensure Royal Mail can grow and remain competitive in a fast-moving industry.
“Despite nearly three months of talks, the CWU have not engaged in any meaningful discussion on the changes we need to make to adapt. Ensuring we can change, at pace, is the route to protecting well-paid, permanent, jobs long term and retain our place as the industry leader on pay and terms and conditions. That is in the interest of Royal Mail and all its employees.
“In the event of industrial action, we have contingency plans to minimise customer disruption and will work to keep people, businesses and the country connected.”
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