STRIKING workers in Kidderminster saw their "best turnout yet" at the picket line this morning (Thursday, October 20).
One of the biggest strikes of the year began today, with Royal Mail, BT and Openreach workers walking out across the country over pay and conditions.
Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are embroiled in long-running rows with the companies and have already taken strike action in recent weeks.
The strikes are in protest against a flat-rate pay rise of £1,500, which the union described as “incredibly low” because of soaring inflation.
Paul McGrath, the supervisor of the BT and Openreach picket outside the Telephone Exchange on Waterloo Street, said it was their best turnout yet with just over 30 workers joining.
He said: "We are hoping that the company sees sense, comes back to the table, and we can get a settlement without any future action. It rests on the company's shoulders".
Further strike action is planned for Monday (October 24).
Addressing strike action back in July, A BT Group spokesperson said: “At the start of this year, we were in exhaustive discussions with the CWU that lasted for two months, trying hard to reach an agreement on pay.
“When it became clear that we were not going to reach an accord, we took the decision to go ahead with awarding our team member and frontline colleagues the highest pay award in more than 20 years, effective April 1.
“We have confirmed to the CWU that we won’t be reopening the 2022 pay review, having already made the best award we could".
Postal workers on strike also braved the rain in Kidderminster this morning.
The CWU accused Royal Mail chief executive Simon Thompson of side-stepping talks aimed at avoiding strike action.
The union said that in recent weeks, relations between worker and employer have deteriorated, with Royal Mail serving legal notice that it was withdrawing from existing agreements with the CWU, as well as threatening to cut 10,000 jobs following strike action last week.
CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “Instead of sitting down and sorting out his problems like an adult, Simon Thompson chose to be a vanishing act instead.
“When someone like him earns £62,750 a month and can give himself six-figure bonuses, it is a disgrace that he sees it fit to disrespect our members in such a way.
“Simon can’t dodge the reality that a mood of rebellion is sweeping postal workers who won’t accept Thompson’s hostile and bizarre behaviour.
“Postal workers go above and beyond every day and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We won’t be backing down until we get just that.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “On Friday, 14 October, we announced losses of £219 million in the first half of the year.
“This once again demonstrates the urgent need for Royal Mail to change.
“Further strike action would materially increase our losses for the full year and may necessitate further operational restructuring and job losses.
“Four weeks have passed since we invited the CWU to enter talks with Acas to resolve the change and pay dispute.
“We once again urge the CWU to join us in Acas talks.
“This is the only way to reach a resolution and secure Royal Mail’s future and jobs for our people.
“We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience the CWU’s continued strike action will cause. We are doing all we can to minimise delays and keep people, businesses and the country connected.”
Royal Mail said the CWU’s statement on Simon Thompson’s salary was incorrect, pointing out the correct figure was £525,000.
Good Turn Out. 