POSTAL workers are to stage two nationwide strikes next week in a bitter row over pay, jobs and working conditions, which will cripple mail deliveries, it was announced yesterday.

About 42,000 mail centre staff and drivers will walk out next Thursday, October 22, for 24 hours, followed by another 24-hour stoppage on Friday, by 78,000 delivery and collection staff.

The Communication Workers Union said it had made a “genuine offer” to avert a national strike and accused the Royal Mail of rejecting it without proper consideration.

The union said it had “no choice” but to press ahead with naming strike dates after its peace offer was turned down by the Royal Mail.

Union members voted by 3-1 to take national industrial action, following a spate of regional strikes in the long-running row.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “We made a genuine offer to Royal Mail that would have given space for detailed discussions without a strike.

“We were severely disappointed that, within two or three hours, the company rejected it, apparently without even affording it proper consideration. This comes on the back of several rejections of CWU offers and is a clear indication that they are not trying to reach agreement.

“Our offer included the opportunity for a three-year deal that would bring stability to customers, business and the workforce. This industry is crying out for stability and yet Royal Mail rejects out of hand a genuine attempt to deliver it. We reiterate that offer today and ask that Royal Mail look again.

“Making progress on some key elements of that offer would mean an immediate strike could be avoided.”

The union said it was still prepared to explore third-party mediation, and revealed that talks with the Royal Mail had been held yesterday.

The CWU also called on the Government to intervene in the dispute, warning that the Royal Mail’s pension deficit was now expected to exceed £10bn.

Mr Ward said: “This Government has recently intervened in the problems of Vauxhall and Lloyds Bank. They are the sole shareholder of Royal Mail and it is unbelievable they continue to stand aside.”

A total of 83 MPs have signed a Commons Early Day Motion calling on the Government and Royal Mail to support a peace deal.

Royal Mail's managing director, Mark Higson, said the CWU's decision to call a national strike next week was an “appalling and unjustified attack” on customers and showed a “reckless disregard” for everyone who depended on the company.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “I very much regret this decision by the CWU. Candidly, I think it is suicidal.”