Postal strikes off as deal struck

Talks bring end to threat of delivery chaos

Published:

HOPEFUL: Lord Mandelson welcomed the deal and said he hoped there would be no more postal strkes.

THE threat of more postal strikes has ended after talks between Royal Mail and workers.

The next set of 24-hour stoppages was due to go ahead today and Monday in a long-running row over jobs, pay and pensions.

Members of the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) have held a series of strikes, causing huge delays to mail deliveries.

But, after several days of talks between the union leaders and the Royal Mail, an agreement has been reached.

Details of the deal between Royal Mail and the unions were set to be released today.

Dave Ward, the union’s deputy general secretary, said he was pleased with the agreement which was accepted unanimously by the postal executive of the CWU.

He said: “Our members can deal with modernisation in a way that gives them improved job security and improved conditions.”

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson welcomed the agreement and thanked TUC general secretary Brendan Barber for helping broker a way forward in the dispute.

Mr Mandelson added: “I hope very much indeed that we will not see further strikes.”