Strike by postal workers called off after legal challenge from Royal Mail

A two-day strike by postal workers planned for later this month has been called off following a legal challenge by Royal Mail.

In a newsletter to members, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) blamed laws that are “heavily weighted against working people” for scrapping planned walkouts on 16 and 17 February.

The letter did not detail the nature of the challenge but insisted lawyers “have advised that we could defend our position in court”.

However, it adds that “given the laws in this country are heavily weighted against working people, the risks of losing in court may potentially impact on the re-ballot – we simply cannot allow this happen”.

The union’s strike mandate runs out on 17 February and members are currently being balloted on whether to strike for a further six months in the bitter dispute over pay and conditions.

The CWU said they received correspondence about the legal challenge over the weekend and that winning a yes vote in the next ballot “has to be our absolute focus”.

Union leaders said they will re-enter negotiations with Royal Mail Group this week but warned: “If talks fail, we will significantly step up the programme of strike action.”

“The union will shortly announce details of a formal strike fund,” the letter added.

CWU members in Royal Mail staged 18 days of strike action during the second half of 2022 over pay, jobs and conditions, including on key shopping days over the Black Friday sales period in December.

Union officials said while pay is one of the issues in the dispute, they are also concerned with the way Royal Mail is being run.