Catherwood LibraryILR School

Conflict between the Communications Workers Union (CWU) and the English Royal Mail is seemingly coming to an end as both parties attended mediation sessions led by Lynette Harris in order to come to an agreement. Although the mediation was not binding, the CWU has released statements describing the new tentative agreement as a success for its members. This past October, the CWU held a strike vote at Royal Mail which revealed that a significant majority of union members were in favor of striking; however, the union was barred from striking and began talks with the employer. The primary grievances cited by the union were insufficient pensions and pay as well as long working weeks, issues both parties seemingly addressed during their recent talks. The main issue of contention, as outlined in the released report of recommendations created during mediation, was the Royal Mail’s proposal of a choice between a new defined benefit scheme or a defined contribution scheme for workers whereas workers wanted “a collective defined contribution pension scheme with a defined benefit element for all workers” (Boland). Although the mediation sessions appear to have diffused the situation, the CWU has warned that should the Royal Mail go back on compromises made during talks, it will initiate industrial action.