The CWU announces Royal Mail workers are to stage further strike action next week.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has confirmed that postal workers will stage more strikes in London as the row over modernisation continues.

In a statement released by the union, it says that Royal Mail has walked away from talks about the 2007 Pay and Modernisation agreement and is continuing to pursue cuts without reform.

Martin Walsh, CWU London Divisional Representative, said: “Postal workers cannot continue with the levels of cuts on house, jobs and wages by aggressive management which we are currently experiencing.  Staff are nearing breaking point and services will be hit if modernisation isn’t brought forward.”

Earlier this month, postal workers across London and Scotland took 24 hour strike action claiming they had delivered their part of the agreement and yet Royal Mail had abandoned its side. At the time, talks were continuing.

Mr Walsh went on to say: “We have offered Royal Mail a three month no strike deal to suspend all industrial and executive action and sort out a way forward on modernisation. They have not taken up this attractive offer but the offer remains and would avoid next week’s planned strike.”

Royal Mail has condemned the strike action and says that it will simply impede service to customers and drive them away to using alternative forms of communication. In a statement posted on its website, it said: “Royal Mail is simply asking for the union to honour existing agreements on modernisation and changes in working practices – including the agreement its leaders signed in the presence of the TUC in 2007 – to address falling volumes and to improve efficiency in London as our people have already done successfully in units throughout the UK.”

The next phase of action will be spread over three days with a rolling 24 hour set of strikes on 8, 9 and 10 July, with various sections of the government-owned business striking at different periods.