Posties don't want service sold. Period

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Postal workers delivered a damning rejection of the government's "tired old privatisation policy" today by overwhelmingly voting to oppose any sell-off of Royal Mail.

A ballot of 112,000 delivery, sorting office and other postal staff by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) showed that a massive 96 per cent opposed the privatisation of the 497-year-old service.

And more than nine out of 10 said they backed a boycott of mail handled by rival companies amid union fears that jobs have been hit by "unfair" competition.

The ballot, which had a turnout of 74 per cent, also returned huge votes in favour of the union's claim for an above-inflation pay rise and a policy of non-
co-operation against the "relentless pursuit" of performance demands.

Business Minister Michael Fallon has tried to bribe workers by promising them at least 10 per cent of company shares post-privatisation, which could generate up to £3 billion for the government.

But CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward said postal workers would not "sacrifice their souls for a so-called 10 per cent stake when they know their jobs, pensions and conditions are once again under threat."

"Postal workers have worked incredibly hard to turn the fortunes of the company around. Royal Mail is not a financial basket case and they know privatisation is only benefitting vested interests," he said.

"The government and Royal Mail have completely alienated the workforce and it's time for serious negotiations to find a solution that really can align the interests of workers, customers and the company. If not, then prolonged industrial conflict is inevitable.

"On a mail boycott, Royal Mail workers have shown they understand the threat to the universal service from unfair competition and the race to the bottom on their own terms and conditions.

"The way competition is being introduced does not benefit customers, small businesses or postal workers in whatever company they work for."

A Royal Mail spokesman claimed that privatisation would enable the company to "combine the best of the public and private sectors and secure as many good quality jobs as possible."

The spokesman also warned workers that boycotting competitors' mail would be unlawful and could result in a significant loss of business.

"Royal Mail is required by law to allow access to our network and deliver all the mail we are asked to," the spokesman said.

"Royal Mail is fully committed to the delivery of all of the mail entrusted to us.

"We have consistently made clear we will take all appropriate steps to prevent any disruption of this.

"All our employees must continue to handle all mail, deliver to the same high service standards as normal and do the job that they are paid to do, as stated in their contracts of employment."

While delegates at Unison's national conference in Liverpool burst into applause when they were told of the ballot result and sent a message of solidarity to the CWU.