Pickets form as talks fail to end Royal Mail strike

Oct 9 2007 by Aaron Boland, Liverpool Daily Post

NEARLY 2,500 postal workers in Merseyside are striking as part of national action against potential job losses, and changes in Royal Mail’s service.

Yesterday, pickets formed at more than 30 Merseyside mail delivery offices as part of a second 48 hour strike, which carries on today.

The action by Communication Workers Union (CWU) members, was taken after peace talks over the weekend failed to end the dispute. Negotiations resumed yesterday. The CWU objects to the Royal Mail’s 2.5% pay offer and modernisation plans, which it says will jeopardise 40,000 jobs.

Mark Walsh, Liverpool branch secretary for the CWU said: “We object to the changes in working conditions and worry about the effect this will have on the service.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Further strike action will do nothing to change the harsh competitive realities we face.”