National postal strike ballot

Rochdale's postal workers are to be balloted for strike action alongside all 121,000 postal workers across the UK.

Ballot papers for strike action are being sent out tomorrow (Thursday 17 September) as the dispute between the Communication Workers Union and Royal Mail continues.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "Without agreement there can be no successful change in Royal Mail. This is a simple message which Royal Mail management needs to take on board. Postal workers are striking to defend future services as well as for jobs and modern conditions.

"Modernisation is crucial to the future success of Royal Mail, but the implementation of change must be agreed and it must bring with it modern pay and conditions.

"Postal workers deserve to be rewarded for change. We want to see a new job security agreement which will help people through this time of change for the company.

"CWU is focused on defending jobs and public services. Modernisation should improve services not cut them.

"We believe that Royal Mail management has completely mishandled the current situation. Disruption is hurting small businesses and other consumers, but postal workers are suffering more than anyone in the current dispute. Small businesses stand to suffer more with reduced services in the future, if Royal Mail doesn't reach a national agreement."

The ballot closes on Thursday 8 October, with a result expected the following day.