News

Direct mail providers are preparing themselves for more woes with the Communications Workers Union (CWU) announcing further strike action.

The strikes are a response to the Royal Mail confirming that the first stage of its modernisation plan will come into effect on 13 August.

The CWU has claimed the transition will result in a permanent reduction in customer services and an attack on postal workers' jobs, pay and conditions.

Robert Keitch, director of media channel development at the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), said: "If industrial action is short and sharp, to make a point, then that is one thing. It is when such action is sustained that other problems are presented."

He added that while "it isn't unduly suffering at the moment, the deeper concern is if this sort of industrial action is ongoing."

Keitch feels that forward planning is needed to avoid unnecessary problems.

"With planned strike action, there is enough of a notification period to avoid problems facing case-sensitive mail."

Royal Mail and the CWU have met on a number of occasions and the mail service states that there are problems facing the union and itself alike.

Problems facing Royal Mail – and subsequently its workers – include the state of the UK mail market, which is declining by 2.5% a year; a loss of 40% of its bulk business mail to rivals; and a need to modernise.

CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward said: "Despite Royal Mail's stated position, and with the prospect of imposed change, the union has made a fresh offer for a period of calm.

"We have made yet another offer to Allan Leighton and Adam Crozier to call off the next planned strikes. All Royal Mail has to do is take a step back and engage in meaningful negotiations."

Leighton and Crozier wrote again to CWU leaders Billy Hayes and Dave Ward yesterday stating a need to remain competitive.