New Strike Threat to Royal Mail

Source: Supply Chain Digital

Date :24/09/2007 11:24:30

Union warns proposed plans to close Royal Mail Pension scheme to new joiners may cause new strike action.

Union warns proposed plans to close Royal Mail Pension scheme to new joiners may cause new strike action.

“Unite, which represents 12,000 managers, says the Royal Mail wants to close its pension scheme to current members and raise the retirement age.

Royal Mail denies any such decision has been made, though it does intend to close the scheme to new joiners.”

A series of strikes have already been held by members of the Communication Workers Union over pay and modernisation dispute.

“Unite said as well as scrapping final salary pensions, it feared Royal Mail would increase its members' retirement age from 60 to 65.

Consultation process

Royal Mail has agreed to consult with staff before any pension changes came into effect.

If strike action goes ahead, CWU members are due to walk out again for 48 hours from 5 October and 8 October.

At the centre of the CWU's dispute is Royal Mail's 2.5% pay offer and modernisation plans.

The union claims the shake-up plans will put about 40,000 jobs at risk.

“Without these dramatic reforms it is feared that Royal Mail counters will not be able to survive in a liberalised mail market.”

September 24 2007

Related links

Royal Mail

Unite