Royal Mail strikes suspended

Unite has announced that 72 hours of strike action by Royal Mail managers set from Wednesday, July 20 is now off.

The move follows the conclusion of a ballot of the union’s 2,400 Royal Mail members on new proposals by the employer on jobs, pay and conditions.

Unite’s members have voted by almost two to one (63 per cent to 37 per cent) to accept, meaning talks resume.

This vote does not end the dispute, however, and Unite will now seek further negotiations with the Royal Mail on issues that are yet to be resolved.

Unite national officer with responsibility for the Royal Mail managers, Mike Eatwell, said, “Unite’s members today have accepted the senior management’s return to the negotiating table to improve upon the jobs already put back into the crucial delivery and collections services. Royal Mail’s changed approach is noticeable but there is further to go.

“It was always concerning that the junior and middle managers of the company felt so disrespected they were willing to take industrial action,” he added. “But the resolve shown by our members in the face of considerable pressure has been admirable. With a share price halved in value and quality of service under severe pressure it is to be hoped lessons have been learnt by all.

“However, there is more talking to do and further movement that must be made by Royal Mail for this dispute to be resolved.”

By Ryan Fletcher