Royal Mail workers strike

Tom Potter

ROYAL Mail workers in Ipswich last night walked out over what union representatives describe as a “slash and burn” approach to threatened modernisation.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) accused bosses of breaking a national business plan agreement and cutting jobs and services.

Distribution staff gathered outside Royal Mail headquarters yesterday for the first leg of strike action against a private equity firm taking part control of the service.

Royal Mail managers have been shipped in to try and minimise the effect of protests to services but some disruption is expected to deliveries in the Ipswich area today.

A spokesman said the Royal Mail was “extremely disappointed” that the CWU has called a strike.

The union promised the strike would have a minimum impact on its members and a maximum impact on managers by staging protests in continuous phases.

Nick Loube, area processing representative, said action would persist until the dispute is resolved. “We have all of our members on board here in Ipswich.

“The length of the strike depends on when the Royal Mail agrees to talk to us.

“As a union, we are not against modernisation but the Royal Mail is playing hard ball.”

Pete Loweman, area distribution representative, said: “We have tried on four occasions to negotiate on both a local and national level, but the Royal Mail has not been prepared to listen.

“We are hoping none of our members will cross the picket line.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “The CWU has called industrial action at Ipswich Mail Centre and as a result there may be some disruption to deliveries in the IP1, 2 and 4 areas tomorrow, however we have strong contingency plans in place to maintain and recover services and Royal Mail managers will be working in Ipswich today to minimise disruption.

“Royal Mail is extremely disappointed that the CWU has called on staff to strike as we know the inconvenience this may cause our customers.”