UNION members at Redditch Crown Post Office took strike action this week, having rejected the five per cent pay rise and £500 lump sum offer made to them.
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) accused the Post Office of offering a ‘paltry’ pay raise.
With the increasing rate of inflation and the cost of living crisis, the CWU said this proposal was woefully inadequate and the union’s members at Redditch CO reflected this in their support for the strike.
A further day of strike action has also been announced for Christmas Eve.
Post Office keyworkers worked throughout the pandemic, keeping the postal network running.
CWU representative Tim Pavelin said: “The Post Office can well afford to provide our members with a reasonable pay increase.
“They have made £74million of profit over the past two years.
“Paying the managers millions of pounds of bonuses shows this is not an issue of affordability – it is a power play where the Post Office thinks it can get away with it.”
The strike action took place on Monday and Tuesday and marks the seventh and eighth day of continuing industrial action in Crown Post Offices since March.
Mr Pavelin added: “We thank the public, who have given us massive amounts of sympathy and solidarity, and we urge Post Office to get back around the table and resolve this long running dispute.
“This is a debt of honour and Nick Read, the CEO, should listen to the voice of the Post Office workers prepared to strike time and time again until a sensible offer is made.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Three weeks ago, we made a best and final pay offer worth up to 9% over 18 months.
“Instead of working with us, the CWU has announced plans to ballot in the New Year for further strike action.
“Their misguided belief that further industrial action will result in an improved pay offer is misleading its members and risking their long-term job security.”
