A trade union has claimed that Royal Mail needs to negotiate with it over proposed modernisation plans.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has claimed Royal Mail is "failing on the big picture" in its efforts to modernise.

Dave Ward, the union's deputy general secretary, made the comments as the body's members in London and Scotland prepare to hold industrial action of planned cuts which could lead many consumers to seek post office alternatives.

According to the industry representative, Royal Mail has failed to engage with the union over modernisation plans, while it is also not providing machinery or redesigned its delivery services.

He added: "We are offering Royal Mail and the government a three-month no-strike deal if they fulfil the agreement to engage the CWU over modernisation and move to get the company on a sound footing for the future."

Gary Watkins, the Wales regional secretary of the Communication Workers Union, recently criticised plans to part-privatise Royal Mail, claiming the proposals would make the body a "second-class" service.

Article Added: 18/06/2009 15:19:04