Christmas strike threat by 125,000 Royal Mail and ParcelForce post workers
THOUSANDS of postal workers have threatened to strike in the run-up to Christmas in a dispute over pay and conditions.
The Communication Workers Union, which is fighting a planned Royal Mail privatisation, said 125,000 members will be balloted.
Royal Mail said the possibility of disruption at its busiest time would be “damaging”.
The union warned a strike was “inevitable” unless a deal was agreed on pay, pensions, job security and working conditions.
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “We are dealing with a company that is preparing for privatisation with relish. While the union continues to fight privatisation we are also dealing with the potential realities for workers if there is a change of ownership.
“Franchising, break-up and sale of mail centres, distribution hubs and Parcelforce, along with the introduction of a new workforce on lower terms and conditions, are real threats in a race to the bottom with mail competitors.”
He said preparations for privatisation had already led to “relentless budget cuts”. He added: “We have reached breaking point, particularly in delivery offices.”
Royal Mail and Parcelforce workers in the CWU will be balloted from September 20, with the result due on October 3.
If there is a yes vote, the union must give seven days’ notice for strike action. It will be the first national postal ballot since a pay and conditions dispute in 2009.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail is very disappointed.
“Any industrial action, or the possibility of disruption, is damaging to our customers and our business, especially in the run-up to Christmas, our busiest time.”