An agreement could be reached by next week.

Talks between Royal Mail bosses and Communication Workers Union officials aimed at averting a postal strike are set to conclude next week, it has been reported.

Sources told Tribune magazine that the Royal Mail is set to offer staff improved pay and benefits, although union members may have to sacrifice other demands if they accept the proposals.

An insider close to the discussions said there is a lot more to the deal than financial incentives, with improved working conditions a large part of the offer.

"It will deal with the individual industrial issues such as the mail centre network, union issues. They're at the end of the road. I suspect there'll be a recommendation to accept," the source told the magazine.

Last year, Royal Mail staff up and down the country staged a series of strikes after clashing with the company over pay, working conditions and plans to modernise the postal service.

Posted by Mark Moore


Article Added: 26/02/2010 09:36:40