Royal Mail faces prospect of national walkout

Wednesday, 29 October 2003 12:00 AM

Royal Mail bosses face the prospect of a national walkout over pay and conditions.

Talks took place last night after 20,000 postal staff refused to sort letters and packages across London and South East England yesterday.

Union said between 15,000 and 20,000 of London's 28,000 Royal Mail staff were now on unofficial strike.

Workers at more than 20 sorting and delivery offices in Essex, Kent, Berkshire and the capital downed tools.

The Communication Workers Union CWU said although it was not backing wildcat strike action, management provocation had precipitated the action.

The CWU blamed "anarchist managers" but Royal Mail said militants had encouraged the walkout.

Discussions aimed at overcoming the impasse will now proceed with the aid of the ACAS conciliation service.

Postal workers had previously voted against a national strike for a £300 a week minimum but backed industrial action over £4,000 a year London weighting allowances.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general-secretary, said managers were "attacking, humiliating and belittling" workers following official strikes.

Postwatch, the consumer industry watchdog, said mail services in London had been "severely disrupted" for the past 11 days.

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