As a result of the company’s “lack of integrity,” the relationship between CWU and Royal Mail continues to be tense, with the union claiming that its members do not trust their employer.
The Royal Mail-CWU conflict has settled after months of acrimony.
Sixty-seven percent of the union’s members voted to approve an agreement reached with Royal Mail in April. Over 75% of members were present.
The CWU advised members to embrace the agreement. Between September and December of last year, more than 115,000 postal workers staged a total of 18 days of demonstrations, demanding higher pay and improved working conditions as inflation eroded earnings.
The agreement stipulates that employees will receive a 10% rise over three years and a one-time lump sum of £500. Whereas the union had initially sought an annual increase by the current inflation rate of 8.7%.
The agreement also stipulates later delivery start times, which, according to Royal Mail, will allow the company to meet the growing demand for next-day parcels, enhance service quality, and increase growth capacity.
In addition, the company’s request for new seasonal work patterns and regular Sunday hours was met. Royal Mail said this will help it grow its seven-day parcel business and meet customer needs.
The CWU won an impartial review of suspended or fired employees and fewer temporary workers.
Despite the conclusion of the strike, ill will between the union and Royal Mail persists.
Dave Ward, the leader of the CWU, described the nearly year-long period of negotiations and industrial action as “the most difficult period in the history of both the union and the company.”
“Due to Royal Mail Group’s lack of integrity and treatment, many employees have no faith in the company.”
Mr. Ward said accepting the arrangement won’t reduce union activities or “endorse” Royal Mail. This outcome will mark the beginning of the union’s reconnection in every workplace.
Mr. Thompson said the corporation was losing £100 million per day during strike action, while the union sought his resignation. In May, he announced his resignation.
The CWU targeted Royal Mail’s busiest periods to cause the utmost disruption. Cyber Monday and Black Friday, two of the busiest online purchasing days, were marked by walkouts.
Royal Mail delivered goods over letters during strike days, Mr. Thompson told the Business Committee. Mr. Thompson had been recalled by committee members who questioned his credibility.
Due to its missed delivery goals, the company confronts an investigation by Ofcom and may be fined.
The targets require Royal Mail to deliver 93 percent of first-class mail within one business day of collection, 98.5 percent of second-class mail within three business days of collection, and 99.9 percent of delivery routes on the required delivery day.
However, the former state-owned monopoly reported that only 73.7% of first-class mail was delivered within one business day, 90.7% of second-class mail was delivered within three business days, and only 89.35% of delivery routes were completed on the required delivery day.
International Distribution Services, the parent company of Royal Mail, commended the CWU vote result.
The purchase positions Royal Mail for the next phase of stabilisation, efficiency, and growth, according to a release.
“The operational changes outlined in the agreement are intended to benefit customers by enhancing our ability to improve services and quality; employees by preserving job security and increasing salaries; the environment by decreasing the company’s reliance on domestic air and thereby reducing carbon emissions; and shareholders by ensuring the long-term viability of the business.”
