Labour launches campaign against Royal Mail privatisation

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The Labour Party has added to the growing opposition to the Government's plans to privatise the Royal Mail by launching their own campaign to 'Save the Daily Delivery'.

Their campaign, launched yesterday (Thursday), follows the lead of the CWU's long-running Save Our Royal Mail campaign and takes heed of CWU postal members voting 97 per cent against privatisation in a consultative ballot run in June. The results of the ballot led to the threat of a national strike ballot unless progress is made on pay, pensions, jobs and other issues related to the sell-off which remains a possibility. More recently, Royal Mail managers took a stance against privatisation in a ballot run by their union, Unite.

The Labour Party's campaign calls the sell-off plans "dangerous" and criticises the Coalition Government's argument for selling what has become a profitable business, turning profits of over £400m in the last financial year. A Labour source explained: "Like so many of this Government's plans, these haven't been thought through properly. They want to sell off Royal Mail on the cheap in order to plug a financial hole in the British economy caused by George Osborne's failed policies as Chancellor."

Welcoming the campaign, CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said: "The Royal Mail is an integral part of Great British society - from the universal delivery service to the friendly "postie". It beggars belief that the Coalition government would even entertain the thought of selling it off and goes to show just how desperate this government is to make a fast buck to cover their failings at the expense of the taxpayer who has already had to bail out the banks.

"A publicly owned Royal Mail is an asset to this country, not only in terms of the rich history that is represents but also in terms of the viable business that it has turned into and it should remain in public ownership for the benefit of the people of this country as a result," said Billy.

Labour MPs are also warning of the negative consequences a private Royal Mail will have on local communities. The extent of what a private, profit-driven, owner could do to the service remains unclear and the Government have been called out on their inability to clarify what it will mean to those who rely on the daily service.

"In rural areas the local post office acts as a focal point for communities and there are many pensioners across the country who are reassured by seeing their regular postie every morning. There are also the small businesses that use the Royal Mail for ensuring customers get their goods and services on time, efficiently, reliably and at a reasonable price.

"Which is why the Tory-led Government's plans for privatising Royal Mail are so dangerous," said the Labour source.

Labour MPs have been encouraged to promote the campaign to their constituents by asking them to sign the petition to 'Save the Daily Delivery'. Contact your local MP to find out how you can get involved and support the campaign.

And don't forget to promote the Save Our Royal Mail campaign and petition which continues to draw support and will be handed over to No. 10 early in September. Sign it now if you haven't already: Vince Cable: Save Our Royal Mail.

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Too little, too late I fear.