The Communications Workers Union (CWU) said 97.6% of members who voted supported the strikes with a turnout of 77%, threatening the biggest strike in the so-called summer of discontent to date based on the cost of living crisis. The union suggested it was the biggest strike order ever won by Royal Mail workers. However, no strike dates were announced in response to the vote – allowing more time for a negotiated settlement. The CWU has called on Royal Mail to open talks to agree a “straight, no strings attached” pay rise. The company responded by accusing the union of failing to engage in the changes needed to adapt to the modern postal market. “The vote can leave no doubt that postal workers are united and demanding the right pay rise they deserve,” the union said. The result was announced 24 hours after a separate dispute at the company eased from the brink of strike action. A three-day strike by 2,400 managers, due to start on Wednesday, has been called off by Unite after a vote on new proposals to help end their dispute with bosses over jobs, pay and conditions. The CWU remains locked in several pay disputes, including one at BT and the Post Office. It is part of a campaign by unions to award pay in line with soaring inflation, which is at a 40-year high of 9.1%. The Royal Mail dispute is not only about pay but also about the terms attached to the company’s offer. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2:22 June: Royal Mail boss on strike threats and price rises Royal Mail boss Simon Thompson told Sky News last month that he had offered a 5.5 per cent pay rise and had already passed on, without restrictions, a 2 per cent rise to help its workers deal with the cost of living crisis while talks with the CWU were continuing. He suggested the remaining 3.5% on the table depended on the union accepting the need to modernize the company as it aims to become a parcel-focused business due to the gradual decline in letter volumes. The company is also understood to have offered a new ‘above and beyond’ bonus. A Royal Mail spokesman said in response to the vote: “We are disappointed that CWU members have voted in favor of industrial action. “We offered a deal worth up to 5.5% for CWU grad colleagues, the biggest increase we’ve 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 that Royal Mail can grow and remain competitive in a fast-growing industry. “Despite nearly three months of talks, the CWU has not engaged in any meaningful discussion about the changes we need to make to adapt. “Ensuring we can change, at pace, is the way to protect well-paying, permanent jobs in the long term and maintain our position as an industry leader in terms of pay and terms and conditions. “This is in the best interests of Royal Mail and all its employees. “In the event of industrial action, we have contingency plans in place to minimize disruption to customers and will work to keep people, businesses and the country connected.”
