Why are royal.mail strike

Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has been facing significant challenges in recent years, leading to a series of strikes by its workers. Here are some of the main reasons behind the strikes:

  1. Pension dispute: Royal Mail's pension scheme was closed to new members in 2008, and existing members were transferred to a new scheme. However, the Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents Royal Mail workers, argues that the new scheme is not as generous as the old one. The union wants Royal Mail to make up the difference, which could cost the company around £1.3 billion.
  2. Job security: Royal Mail has been undergoing significant changes, including the introduction of new technology and the outsourcing of some services. The CWU is concerned that these changes will lead to job losses and insecurity for its members.
  3. Pay and conditions: Royal Mail workers have not had a pay rise in several years, and the CWU is seeking a significant increase to reflect the rising cost of living. The union is also pushing for improved working conditions, including reduced workload and better health and safety measures.
  4. Privatisation concerns: Royal Mail was privatized in 2013, and the CWU is concerned that the company's new owners, including the US-based investment firm, Kinnevik, are prioritizing profits over people and services. The union fears that the company's commitment to public services is being eroded.
  5. Brexit uncertainty: The UK's departure from the European Union (Brexit) has created uncertainty for Royal Mail, particularly in terms of trade and customs arrangements. The CWU is concerned that the company may not be prepared for the changes that Brexit will bring, which could impact jobs and services.

The strikes have been called by the CWU, which represents around 115,000 Royal Mail workers. The union has been negotiating with Royal Mail management for several years, but has not been able to reach an agreement on the key issues. The strikes have caused significant disruption to postal services across the UK, with many customers experiencing delays and cancellations.