'Biggest strike of summer' to begin TOMORROW as postal workers walk out
25.08.2022 - 20:27
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Postal workers will walk out to call for a 'dignified, proper pay rise' in what is being described as the summer's biggest strike so far. As many as 115,000 Royal Mail Group workers who are members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are expected to take part in industrial action tomorrow (August 26).
It is set to be followed by further strike action next Wednesday (August 31), then the following Thursday and Friday (September 8 and 9). The walkout follows the union’s recent ballot for strike action over pay, which saw members vote by 97.6% on a 77% turnout to take action.
The CWU says management at Royal Mail Group 'imposed' a 2% pay rise on its workers - who were classed as key workers in the coronavirus pandemic - which it insists is not enough to keep up with the rising cost of living. Inflation is expected to exceed 18% by January, with energy bills due to soar twice by that point.
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Dave Ward, CWU general secretary, said: "On Friday, we will see a tremendous outpouring of workers’ unity in villages, towns and cities across the country. There can be no doubt that postal workers are completely united in their determination to secure the dignified, proper pay rise they deserve.
"We can’t keep on living in a country where bosses rake in billions in profit while their employees are forced to use food banks. When Royal Mail bosses are raking in £758 million in profit and shareholders pocketing in excess of £400 million, our members won’t accept pleads of poverty from the company.
"Postal workers won’t meekly accept their living standards being hammered by greedy business leaders who are completely out of touch with modern Britain. They