Small businesses are facing two weeks of ‘continuous disruption to mail services’ as Royal Mail workers prepare for further industrial action, it was announced yesterday.
The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) has announced an escalation of strike action after failing to reach an agreement with Royal Mail over pay.
Postal workers will take two days of strike action in the two-week period between Wednesday 25 July and Wednesday 8 August, it has been revealed.
However, although postal workers will take two full days of industrial action, the timing is intended to maximise the impact on mail and will result in two weeks of continuous disruption, the CWU said.
“We have contacted Royal Mail leaders on copious occasions, consistently asking for negotiations to find a resolution to the dispute. Royal Mail management continue to ignore the union and its workforce,” said Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary.
Royal Mail said it was ‘hugely disappointed’ by the news of further industrial action.
The company said it was now assessing the likely impact on mail services but reassured its customers that it had ‘well-developed contingency plans’ to reduce the effect of the strike and keep disruption down to a minimum.
Matt Hardman, campaigns manager at the Forum of Private Business (FPB), commented that the planned action is particularly unwelcome news for small businesses.
He said: "It's extremely disappointing. Many smaller businesses are dependent on an efficient postal system for deliveries and they may lose custom as a result. Alternatively payment may be slower impacting on cash flow.
"It is unfortunate that the Communication Worker's Union has taken the action, they should not hold business to ransom for their inability to resolve this dispute. This will not win them support for their cause and they need to face the reality that Royal Mail must modernise. Equally Royal Mail's refusal to come to the negotiating table is an annoyance to them."
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
