Royal mail strike 2013
The Royal Mail strike of 2013 was a series of industrial actions taken by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) against the Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, in 2013. The strike was called in response to the Royal Mail's plans to privatize the company and reduce the number of postal workers.
The strike began on July 13, 2013, and lasted for 19 days, with postal workers across the UK refusing to work. The strike affected the delivery of mail and parcels, causing delays and disruptions to businesses and individuals.
The main issues that led to the strike were:
- Privatization: The Royal Mail was planning to float on the stock market, which would have led to the sale of a significant portion of the company to private investors. The CWU opposed this move, arguing that it would lead to job losses and reduced services.
- Job security: The Royal Mail had announced plans to reduce the number of postal workers, which would have led to job losses and insecurity for many employees.
- Pay and conditions: The CWU was seeking improved pay and conditions for postal workers, including a 10% pay rise and improved working conditions.
The strike was widely supported by the public, with many people expressing sympathy for the postal workers and criticizing the Royal Mail's plans. However, the strike also caused significant disruption to businesses and individuals, with many companies reporting delays and losses.
The strike was eventually resolved on August 1, 2013, when the Royal Mail and the CWU reached a deal that included:
- A 2% pay rise for postal workers
- Improved job security, with a commitment to maintain the current level of employment
- A commitment to maintain the current level of services
- A review of the Royal Mail's plans to privatize the company
The deal was seen as a victory for the CWU and the postal workers, who had successfully resisted the Royal Mail's plans to privatize the company. However, the strike also highlighted the challenges faced by the postal industry, including the impact of digital communication and the need for the Royal Mail to adapt to changing circumstances.