Member News
By Tony Grew - 14th October 2009
A group of Labour MPs has backed the Communication Workers Union's efforts to find a resolution to the current postal dispute.
Thousands of post workers across the country have been striking this week.
The CWU said that unless Royal Mail "shows it is sincere about reaching an agreement" there will be national strike action announced on Thursday.
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "Postal workers do not want to have to take strike action, but neither are they prepared to put up with continuing attacks from a management which is failing."
So far 64 MPs, mostly from the left of the Labour party, have signed the early day motion.
It reads: "That this House welcomes the proposals put forward by the Communication Workers Union seeking to find a resolution to the current postal dispute, in particular their offer to explore the possibility of third party mediation; and calls on the government to do all in its power to ensure that Royal Mail responds positively to the union's proposal."
One Conservative MP, Nigel Evans, signed the EDM.
Royal Mail has asked the CWU to abandon strikes and "re-engage with our agreed industrial relations framework at national and local level".
Managing director Mark Higson, said: "In the first week of October, Royal Mail will have successfully completed the major efficiency changes planned for 2009, both nationally and in London, under the 2007 Pay and Modernisation Agreement.
"This level of change is higher than has been implemented in any previous year and has been essential as a response to the accelerating decline in the number of letters – down around 10 per cent against last year.
"The changes include the introduction of more flexible working as we respond to the changing marketplace and ensuring people work the hours for which they are paid, using the tools for the job such as new automated sorting equipment and handheld tracking devices.
"Taken together, this means that over 85 per cent of mail is now walk sorted with Royal Mail on track to complete its modernisation plans."
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