Emphatic ‘No’ to Royal Mail sell-off

Postal workers, members of the CWU communications workers’ union, have voted overwhelmingly against the government’s proposals to privatise the Royal Mail.

Of the 112,000 workers who voted — 96% rejected the plan on a 74% turnout, which could see the firm float on the stock exchange next year.

Billy Hayes, general secretary of the CWU, said: “The workforce does not support the government or Royal Mail on selling the company. This company is flourishing in public ownership as the recent doubling of profits proves. It’s becoming less clear what this policy is about.”

An overwhelming number of members also voted in favour of a boycott of competitors’ mail and a policy of non-cooperation.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “Royal Mail workers have shown they understand the threat to the universal service from unfair competition and the race to the bottom on their own terms and conditions. The way competition is being introduced does not benefit customers, small businesses or postal workers in whatever company they work for.”

However, the company is seeking a High Court injunction against the CWU after staff voted to boycott. Royal Mail said it is “fully committed to seeking an agreement with the CWU”, but added that it would be “unlawful” for the CWU to direct workers to refuse to handle rival post.

www.cwu.org/news/archive/ballot-result-postal-workers-say-no-to-privatisation.html