Staff across the country will strike today, Friday and Saturday.

A second phase of national postal strikes has begun after discussions between the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail bosses failed to reach a breakthrough.

Thousands of workers downed tools and walked out of mail centres across the country at 04:00 GMT, meaning those who need to send parcels will need to use alternative parcel delivery services such as Parcel2Go.com.

Further strikes are set to take place on Friday and Saturday, with collection workers, delivery unit staff, network logistics drivers and garage employees stopping work in the ongoing dispute over plans to modernise the postal service, jobs and pay.

Dave Ward, the deputy general secretary of the CWU, said the union is still open to negotiations should Royal Mail bosses want to resolve the matter.

"This series of strikes and future strikes can still be avoided and we remain available for discussions at any time, including tonight. We remain committed to reaching an agreed resolution," he stated.

According to the BBC, the wave of industrial action is playing into the hands of Royal Mail's competitors and alternative parcel delivery companies.

Written by Matt Watts



Article Added: 29/10/2009 09:33:43