POSTAL STRIKE - Union calls new all-out strikes but agrees to consider new proposals over weekend

by Noelle McElhatton, marketingdirectmag.co.uk 30-Oct-09, 16:49

LONDON - The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has announced two more strike days for Friday 6 November and Monday 9 November.

But unlike the current strikes, which have involved members in different units striking on different days, the two new dates will be all-out strikes.

Today is the second day of the latest action involves 400 workers at three sites in Plymouth, Stockport and Stoke which deal with badly addressed mail items.

Brendan Barber, the general secretary of the TUC who is helping to mediate between the two sides, said proposals had been put to the union and the company.

"They've agreed to look at those proposals over the weekend and consult appropriately with colleagues, with a view to returning to the TUC for further negotiations early next week," he said.

Barber has asked Royal Mail and the CWU to stop the war of words that has developed between the two sides and both have agreed not to comment publicly on negotiations while they were continuing.