The Future Of Royal Mail Still Hangs In The Balance

Though welcoming Lord Mandelson's statement confirming that the Postal Services Bill will not be heard by Parliament the Communication Workers Union in the North West are concerned that the government will now bury their heads in the sand and not address the problems that still exist in the industry.

CWU Regional Secretary Carl Webb said: "The government can put as much spin on this as they like but they finally got the message from the public and the majority of their own backbenchers that Royal Mail should remain 100% in the public sector. May this also serve as a warning to any future Conservative Government? 

The whole row over privitisation has distracted us from the need to address the real issues facing the industry around pensions, unfair competition, modernisation and poor moral which do not need primary legislation. What we can’t accept is Lord Mandleson’s new approach of doing nothing, which this government has gleefully accused the Tories of over the economy.

The CWU has put forward a credible vision for the future of Royal Mail which recognises the need for the industry to embrace the introduction of new automation and technology and new products for its customers. Modernisation must also bring improvements to the service and more rewarding employment for employees. 

The union would also like to see the introduction of a Royal Mail Charter similar to that of the BBC which would enshrine Royal Mail’s universal obligations and highlight the unique role it serves to Businesses, Local Communities and the economy. 

Carl said “On the question of poor industrial relations, Mandleson himself has cited the lack of quality management in Royal Mail even though they continue to receive obscene bonuses. Despite this, the union has offered a 3 month moratorium, if management agrees to engage the union over modernisation and other impending issues.

Whether the industry was privitised or not the problem of the pension deficit caused by Royal Mail taking an 18 year pension’s holiday would need to be addressed. Lord Mandleson who appears to have spat his dummy out should now work with the unions to resolve this issue as well as the question of modernisation, poor industrial relations and regulation, which will continue to hold back Royal Mail’s ability to evolve into a modern postal administrator”.

Front Page