Real Journalism by Leeds Hacks

Royal Mail: Fair pay protest

Protesters in the early morning of Thursday 13th
protestors for fair pay
Members of the Communication Workers Union take their sixth day of strike action.

Members of the Communication Workers Union strike as a “last resort” due to their “unfair pay impositions” says Chris Allen, The union rep of the Communications Workers Union.

Chris Allen outside protesting
Ally Gregory Chris Allen, a member of the CWU, protesting for pay rise.

Currently, the CWU is the nation’s biggest union in the country holding 200,000 members and today they’re showing their demand in a pay rise. They stand outside various Royal Mail locations demanding a pay rise due to the increase in the current cost of living.

Three members of the CWU holding posters for fair pay
Ally Gregory Members of the CWU protesting for fair pay

Royal Mail say they made a loss of £92 million in the first quarter which is approximately £1 million per day. They have now made deals with the union that have been for the benefit of employees as they fight to keep this public service.

Groups of people protesting
Chris Allen Members of the public protesting with the members of the CWU.

A member of the public, Anna Walkden, said, “The rise in the cost of living is ridiculous and I think if you’re willing to fight for a pay rise then why not!”

Due to the strike actions being a choice by the CWU they won’t be getting paid for this action, but because they are in desperation for this strike to make a change, they’re doing what they can.

Posters outside Royal Mail showing strike action
Ally Gregory Signs outside Royal Mail showing they’re closed due to strike action

Chris Allen says, “Previous actions that they have taken have resulted in agreements that have benefitted members, business and public” and they’re hopeful that this strike action will turn out the same.” He says, “the action that they’re currently taking has brought Royal Mail back to the negotiating table because of the last five days of strike action.”

Royal Mail were brought back to the negotiating table on Monday 10th, and they had continued talks yesterday, Wednesday 12th, and they have planned another talk tomorrow, Friday 13th. They have also cleared their diaries next week for any further talks.

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