Royal Mail plans to be unveiled
The U.K. government is submitting a proposal to Parliament this week suggesting that 30% of the Royal Mail service be sold to private investors. Unions, who oppose the measure, have planned a protest for this Thursday in response. The labor party is also opposing the idea, though conservatives and democrats are supporting it. The original idea came from an independent report, and received backing from the U.K. Business Secretary who noted that the service could not continue without new investors. Supporters claim that the plan would be a ?partnership?, and that it is much needed due to current financial troubles. Unions contend that Royal Mail is in fact profitable, and can survive as is. They are also expressing concern over job security under partially private ownership.
See "Royal Mail plans to be unveiled", BBC News Online, February 22, 2009