The threat of the first national postal strike in six years moved a step closer yesterday when Royal Mail workers voted overwhelmingly for strike action.

Members of the Communication Workers Union have supported a recommendation of their leadership to take strike action over Royal Mail pay.

Some 145,000 ballot papers were sent out to members with 63 per cent voting in favour of taking industrial action.

Forum Response: Communication Workers Union

Billy Hayes, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, told ePolitix.com: "I am pleased that the members have shown their feelings so clearly. We will discuss arrangements to implement industrial action early next week, but I sincerely hope that the result will encourage management to look again at their position, so that we can reach an agreement rather than take action.

"We are seeking five per cent increases this year as part of a policy of obtaining a basic minimum wage of £300 a week for our members over the next two years. So far we have been offered less than two per cent."