Small firms braced for further post strikes

20/09/07 11:22

Small firms will face yet more severe postal delays as Royal Mail workers plan further industrial action, it was announced today.

The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) announced the strikes, after an ongoing dispute over pay and business changes has yet to be resolved.

According to the CWU, the pay offer it received was ‘linked to unacceptable propositions on flexibility and decreased benefits’.

As a result, two more 48-hour strikes have been scheduled, for October 5 and 6 and then October 8 and 9, after which the CWU vowed to continue with a rolling programme of strikes until the disputes had been resolved.

Dave Ward, deputy general secretary, said: “Despite five weeks of negotiations Royal Mail have failed to take on board the union’s message that in order for the business to succeed Royal Mail need to invest in their workforce.

“Strikes are a proportionate response to an employer that is completely out of control. Rather than running the business, Royal Mail’s actions demonstrate they are intent on destroying it.

Bearing the brunt of the strikes will be the UK’s smaller firms, said Matt Hardman, campaigns manager at the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

He commented: “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.”