Postal Workers Launch Christmas Strike Threat
Postal workers kicked off a 48-hour strike today, with four more days of planned action across December. The dispute risks triggering a “Christmas meltdown” for deliveries and letters as Royal Mail management refuses to negotiate.
Strike Chaos Fuels Delivery Backlog
Local Communication Workers Union (CWU) members warn of mounting parcel piles across Royal Mail sites nationwide. This year, 115,000 postal staff have staged industrial action against pay cuts, forced job losses, and plans to turn Royal Mail into a gig economy-style courier service.
Business Leaders Warn of Real Economy Fallout
Small firms and major businesses like eBay, the British Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Small Businesses have called for urgent talks to end the dispute. In a letter to The Times, they hailed the “army of postal workers” as vital to the UK’s real economy.
Royal Mail Bosses Snub Negotiations
Despite union calls, Royal Mail CEO Simon Thompson recently walked out of final negotiation talks. The CWU has since written to him over the weekend demanding fresh negotiations. Strikes hit hard on 30 November and 1 December, with more walkouts due on 14, 15, 23, and 24 December — some of the busiest delivery days before Christmas.
Dave Ward, CWU General Secretary, said: “Royal Mail bosses are risking a Christmas meltdown because of their stubborn refusal to treat their employees with respect. Postal workers want to serve their communities, deliver Christmas gifts, and clear the backlog. But they won’t accept the casualisation of their jobs or the destruction of their conditions. This dispute can be solved if Royal Mail starts respecting its workforce and meets with the union.”
