Why is royal mail strike

Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has been facing a number of challenges in recent years, which have contributed to the current dispute and potential strike action. Some of the key issues include:

  1. Pension dispute: Royal Mail is seeking to close its defined benefit pension scheme to new members and switch to a defined contribution scheme. This has been met with resistance from the Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents Royal Mail workers.
  2. Job security: The CWU is concerned about job security, as Royal Mail has been implementing cost-cutting measures and reducing staff numbers. The union wants guarantees on job security and an end to compulsory redundancies.
  3. Pay and conditions: Royal Mail workers have not had a pay rise in several years, and the CWU is seeking a significant increase in pay and improved working conditions.
  4. Workload and stress: Royal Mail workers have been complaining about excessive workload and stress, which has led to concerns about their mental and physical health.
  5. Privatisation: The CWU is opposed to the potential privatisation of Royal Mail, which has been floated as a possibility by the UK government.

In August 2022, the CWU announced that its members had voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, with 97.6% voting in favor of a strike. The union has been in talks with Royal Mail management, but so far, no agreement has been reached.

The potential strike action could have significant implications for the UK's postal service and the economy as a whole. Royal Mail handles a significant volume of mail and parcels, and a strike could disrupt supply chains and impact businesses and individuals who rely on the service.

The dispute is ongoing, and the CWU has announced a series of strikes, including:

The situation is being closely monitored by the UK government, and the Prime Minister has urged both sides to reach a resolution.