Royal Mail privatisation: CWU prepares for strike announcement

More than 100,000 postal workers could be involved in first Royal Mail strike since 2009

The CWU says it is “confident” that postal workers will vote for strike action, ahead of the declaration later today of its ballot over the privatisation of Royal Mail.

If strike action goes ahead, it will be the first action of its kind since 2009, involving 115,000 postal workers in Royal Mail and Parcelforce.

The vote comes after the company’s share price soared by 3% to close at 489p on the first full day of trading yesterday.

It means shares have almost doubled in price since the company was floated on the Stock Market last Friday (11 October).

Union officials said the rise proved the company had been undervalued by Coalition ministers.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “The taxpayer has lost over £1bn already in this bungled fire sale of a cherished national institution.

“Postal workers cannot trade their shares for three years and they are far more concerned about their jobs than the share price.

“The share price increase is making profits for wealthy private investors and faceless institutions – it’s not bringing any money into Royal Mail. The investment argument is a clear myth.

“We will not accept people maximising individual profit on the back of minimising the value, terms and conditions of postal workers.

“We’re determined this privatisation will not lead to the kind of job losses and downward pressure on pay and conditions we’ve seen in other industries and we’re seeking a legally-binding agreement to protect jobs.”

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