Over 77 per cent of members who voted in the Communication Workers Union (CWU) ballot this past week have voted in favour of taking industrial action over Gordon Brown's pay freeze.
The ballot result reflects the massive anger and growing disillusionment among postal workers not only over Gordon Brown's pay offer of 2.5%, which compared to the latest inflation figures of 4.5% is effectively a pay cut, but also privatisation of the postal service and an increasingly aggressive management.
With a turnout of 67% and an overwhelming majority for strike action, it also signals an imminent set-piece battle between the CWU and Royal Mail.
Jane Loftus, a member of RESPECT, soon to be President of CWU, said "This is a brilliant result which shows that all sections of the postal workforce have defied intense pressure from management and shown their faith in the union."
The mood in the country is for united action, and RESPECT encourages this unity. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has a policy of joining forces with other public sector unions calling for industrial action, and Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of PCS (& member of RESPECTs National Council) has written to the CWU to express his solidarity.
There should be no mistake that Management will do everything in their power to undermine CWU efforts and undercut support for a strike.
RESPECT members and supporters need to be ready to build solidarity and provide whatever support is needed by CWU members, including spreading information about the vote, inviting CWU activists to address RESPECT meetings and building on opportunities for united action on this issue.
RESPECT congratulates the CWU and expresses its full support for any industrial action that takes place.
The ballot result reflects the massive anger and growing disillusionment among postal workers not only over Gordon Brown's pay offer of 2.5%, which compared to the latest inflation figures of 4.5% is effectively a pay cut, but also privatisation of the postal service and an increasingly aggressive management.
With a turnout of 67% and an overwhelming majority for strike action, it also signals an imminent set-piece battle between the CWU and Royal Mail.
Jane Loftus, a member of RESPECT, soon to be President of CWU, said "This is a brilliant result which shows that all sections of the postal workforce have defied intense pressure from management and shown their faith in the union."
The mood in the country is for united action, and RESPECT encourages this unity. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has a policy of joining forces with other public sector unions calling for industrial action, and Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of PCS (& member of RESPECTs National Council) has written to the CWU to express his solidarity.
There should be no mistake that Management will do everything in their power to undermine CWU efforts and undercut support for a strike.
RESPECT members and supporters need to be ready to build solidarity and provide whatever support is needed by CWU members, including spreading information about the vote, inviting CWU activists to address RESPECT meetings and building on opportunities for united action on this issue.
RESPECT congratulates the CWU and expresses its full support for any industrial action that takes place.
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