RESPRESENTATIVES of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in east London have issued an apology to Royal Mail customers over chaos caused by recent postal strikes.
In an open letter to residents in Waltham Forest and around east London, CWU area reps John Ayres and Angie Mulcahy apologise for any inconvenience and offer an explanation for the strikes.
The letter states: “We would like to explain why strike action has been taking place in London for the past four months and why that action is about to be taken nationally.”
It goes on to cite alleged attempts to privatise the service, as well as Government threats to 'relinquish its responsibilities to underwrite the current pensions deficit, estimated at £10billion' as reasons for the strikes.
The letter also claims the possibility of cutting 16,000 jobs has been raised, as well as 'worsening' contractual terms and conditions for 'ordinary, hard-working, decent postmen and women'.
It adds: “The Union have consistently offered to stand down industrial action if Royal Mail will meet and start negotiating constructively with mediation in place.”
Union reps also claim members do not want to take strike action, saying some are suffering financial hardship.
The letter also decries the decision to hire 30,000 temporary staff in a bid to ease the strain of the strike, claiming it will 'ultimately will add to the chaos'.
It continues: “The union and its members recognise and accept the need to change and modernise.
“We have negotiated and agreed over the last three years a reduction of 40,000 jobs and successfully introduced new technology into the business.”
Mr Ayres and Ms Mulcahy add that Royal Mail has 'lost the confidence and trust of its workforce'.
Their letter concludes: “Your postmen and -women are part of the fabric of our society and we are determined to reach agreement which delivers the first class postal service that you, the public, deserve.”
More strikes have been threatened in the coming weeks, leading to fears of huge revenue losses around the country.
Royal Mail has said it is not trying to 'break' strikers by hiring temporary staff and denied claims the move was illegal.
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