Fylde anger over Royal Mail sell off

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/black ... 6606087.jp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

UNION chiefs today launched a scathing attack on a Blackpool MP in wake of plans to privatise Royal Mail.
It is feared Government plans to sell off the mail company could threaten the future of some post offices across Blackpool and the Fylde.

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard has upset the Communication Workers Union – which represents postal workers – by supporting the government bill.

Carl Webb, CWU North West Regional Secretary, said: "I met with Mr Maynard yesterday who happens to be my constituency MP to explain why it would be bad for the country and Blackpool if Royal Mail was broken up and sold off.

"I explained that it would lead to the end of the universal one-price-goes-anywhere service, mean higher costs and more post office closures.

"To be honest, I don't believe Mr Maynard actually understands any of the arguments and is just towing the party line."

Mr Maynard responded to the comments, saying: "I realise the Communication Workers Union is against both this Bill and the government as a whole. Mr Webb seems happy to criticise me, but he ought to read the Bill.

"Not only does Part 4 of the Bill provide legal protection for the Universal Service Obligation that guarantees a six-day-a-week service, but for the first time ever, we are proposing employee share ownership that would give Royal Mail workers a say in how the company is run.

"And the Government is taking on responsibility for the Royal Mail's £10bn pension deficit."

The Bill was proposed by Business Secretary Vince Cable and it will now go through a series of stages in the House of Commons before being voted on by MPs.

Mr Cable made clear that the Government would not oppose a foreign company buying up the Royal Mail.

Royal Mail staff will be offered at least 10 per cent of the shares in the company, but unions oppose the privatisation.

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden added: "I am appalled there is nothing to stop a total takeover of Royal Mail by foreign companies in these sell-off proposals. Crucially, this Bill will end the link between Royal Mail and Post Office Limited."

[POSTMAN]

we are proposing employee share ownership that would give Royal Mail workers a say in how the company is run.

[Wessex]

Royal Mail workers number in the hundreds of thousands ,add on ex-posties ,our retired workers,then add on their family members and friends, then add on the many people who will suffer under a privatised rm and you are talking a massive anti Lib Dems vote because it will be Vince Cable that people will blame .The Lib dems wont get in power again for another 100 years.

[ziko]

Why is everyone so surprised that Mp's are not acting in the peoples interests - how long ago was it since the Mp's expenses scandal? That reminds me i must go round to my MP's mansion to dust his new prize deer head tomorrow.