E3 Royal Mail dispute

Submitted by Communications Workers Union

Congress notes that the CWU is balloting its Royal Mail membership from 16 September on strike action. This decision follows the failure of management to negotiate a new agreement covering the wages, terms and conditions of the workforce in the modernisation of the industry.

Congress agrees to offer full support to the campaign of the CWU, and calls upon Royal Mail management to reach an agreement, which secures the modernisation of the industry by consent and negotiation.

Congress notes that the Government decided not to progress the Postal Services Bill when Parliament rose on 21 July.

Congress welcomes the withdrawal of the immediate threat to privatise the industry, as contained in that Bill. However, Congress notes that the other issues covered in the Bill – the pensions deficit and the regulation of the industry – remain pressing problems. Congress therefore calls upon the Government to prepare suitable legislation to ensure that the Government takes on its responsibility for the deficit, and that a more appropriate form of regulation is introduced.