Workers at Royal Mail sites to strike next week
Django | 18.09.2008 13:44 | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements
Maintenance workers at Royal Mail sites are to begin a three day strike over “draconian” attacks on working conditions.
The strike, backed by the Communication Workers Union, will see over 800 employees of facilities management firm Romec walk out after delivering a 98% majority in a strike ballot. The staff are electronic security and buildings maintenance engineers. Romec has pushed through changes in attendance patterns which will see managers being given the ability to force work on unsociable hours and at weekends.
Further action has been mooted should the strike, which begins next Tuesday morning, not bring about adequate resolution offers from management.
The consequences of the strike could be dramatic, compared to the number of strikers, as it will effect the ability to maintain key equipment and buildings. It is certain to effect direct postal services, despite claims by bosses to the contrary.
The strike follows on from a wave of action last year, and comes as further strike action over closures brews. The opening of the postal sector to private competition in 2006 has led to creeping attacks on working conditions as the Royal Mail, which still dominates the sector, seeks to “modernise” in accordance with competitive pressure. This has been of no benefit to consumers, according to an independent report, but has been a boon to big business.
The strike, backed by the Communication Workers Union, will see over 800 employees of facilities management firm Romec walk out after delivering a 98% majority in a strike ballot. The staff are electronic security and buildings maintenance engineers. Romec has pushed through changes in attendance patterns which will see managers being given the ability to force work on unsociable hours and at weekends.
Further action has been mooted should the strike, which begins next Tuesday morning, not bring about adequate resolution offers from management.
The consequences of the strike could be dramatic, compared to the number of strikers, as it will effect the ability to maintain key equipment and buildings. It is certain to effect direct postal services, despite claims by bosses to the contrary.
The strike follows on from a wave of action last year, and comes as further strike action over closures brews. The opening of the postal sector to private competition in 2006 has led to creeping attacks on working conditions as the Royal Mail, which still dominates the sector, seeks to “modernise” in accordance with competitive pressure. This has been of no benefit to consumers, according to an independent report, but has been a boon to big business.
Django
Homepage:
http://libcom.org/news
Additions
More, better informed info
19.09.2008 02:44
The Communication Workers Union has today (Tuesday) issued notice for three days of national strike action next week for over 800 technical workers in Royal Mail in a dispute over draconian changes to attendance patterns.
The staff, employed by Romec, work in technical grades which include electronic security and buildings maintenance engineers. Strike action will cover all duties starting on or after 6am Tuesday 23rd September and finishing 6am, Friday 26th September, inclusive.
Dave Ward, deputy general secretary, said: "Romec are taking a draconian and completely unreasonable attitude towards changing attendance patterns for technical staff. This is yet another example of perverse management attitude in the business. Despite talks at ACAS last week, Romec still wish to give managers the ability to compel individuals to attend at unsocial hours and on Saturdays."
This dispute could have a massive impact on the rest of the mail network next week as Royal Mail sites depend on these workers to maintain machinery and buildings. We hope that Romec will change their attitude and engage in genuine talks which address the concerns of the workforce."
Ray Ellis, CWU lead negotiator, said: "We are very disappointed that talks broke down last week. Taking three days of strike action clearly reflects staff's strength of feeling on this issue which threatens their social and family lives and earnings."
The staff, employed by Romec, work in technical grades which include electronic security and buildings maintenance engineers. Strike action will cover all duties starting on or after 6am Tuesday 23rd September and finishing 6am, Friday 26th September, inclusive.
Dave Ward, deputy general secretary, said: "Romec are taking a draconian and completely unreasonable attitude towards changing attendance patterns for technical staff. This is yet another example of perverse management attitude in the business. Despite talks at ACAS last week, Romec still wish to give managers the ability to compel individuals to attend at unsocial hours and on Saturdays."
This dispute could have a massive impact on the rest of the mail network next week as Royal Mail sites depend on these workers to maintain machinery and buildings. We hope that Romec will change their attitude and engage in genuine talks which address the concerns of the workforce."
Ray Ellis, CWU lead negotiator, said: "We are very disappointed that talks broke down last week. Taking three days of strike action clearly reflects staff's strength of feeling on this issue which threatens their social and family lives and earnings."
from the horse's mouth
e-mail:
info@cwu.org
Homepage:
http://www.cwu.org/
