Latest royal mail strike news

Here's the latest news on the Royal Mail strike:

Latest Update (March 2023)

The Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have reached a tentative agreement on a new pay deal, which could potentially end the ongoing strike action. The deal includes a 5.5% pay rise for postal workers, as well as a £1,000 bonus for those earning below £24,000 per year. The agreement still needs to be ratified by CWU members, but if approved, it could bring an end to the strike, which has been ongoing since August 2022.

Background

The Royal Mail and CWU have been in dispute over pay, jobs, and conditions since August 2022. The CWU has been seeking a 10% pay rise for its members, while the Royal Mail has offered a 2% increase. The dispute has led to a series of strikes, with over 115,000 postal workers participating in the action.

Impact on Services

The strike has had a significant impact on Royal Mail services, with many customers experiencing delays and disruptions to their mail and parcel deliveries. The Royal Mail has reported a significant decline in its revenue and profitability due to the strike, and has warned that it may not be able to maintain its services at their current level if the dispute is not resolved.

Government Involvement

The UK government has become involved in the dispute, with Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng urging both parties to reach a settlement. The government has also offered to mediate the dispute, but so far, no agreement has been reached.

Public Support

The strike has received widespread public support, with many customers expressing sympathy for the postal workers and frustration with the Royal Mail's handling of the dispute. Some customers have also taken to social media to share their experiences of delayed or lost mail, using the hashtag #RoyalMailStrike.

Next Steps

The fate of the strike remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the CWU's vote on the proposed pay deal. If the deal is approved, the strike could come to an end, but if it is rejected, the dispute is likely to continue. The Royal Mail and CWU are expected to continue negotiating, and the government may also become more involved in the dispute if a resolution is not reached.