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'Fortnight-long' postal strike begins

26/07/2007

A series of strikes affecting Britain's postal network has begun, union officials have confirmed.

Postal workers are staging a number of walkouts staggered over the next two weeks that they hope will cause continuous disruption.

Over the next fortnight separate Royal Mail divisions will hold industrial action on allocated days, starting with mail centres and cash handling today.

A Communication Workers Union (CWU) spokesperson confirmed that the first planned strike began at 19:00 BST last night.

The industrial action represents the third national strike to take place in recent weeks. Walkouts of this level had previously not been seen among Royal Mail workers for a decade.

Workers are striking over the perceived job losses and pay cuts that will come with the company's modernisation drive.

But Royal Mail insists the modernisation is essential if the firm is to survive in the face of increased competition.

When asked on whether workers should accept their 2.5 per cent pay offer during prime minister's questions yesterday, Gordon Brown replied: "People have got to accept settlements that make sure inflation is low in the years to come."

Royal Mail says it is "hugely disappointed" over the CWU's stance, but the union accuses company bosses of not taking its concerns "seriously" enough.

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