Royal Mail strike 2022: Is Royal Mail in Newcastle going on strike and why is strike action being considered?

The vote for strike action for postal workers will begin today.

By Beth Franklin

Published 28th Jun 2022, 17:28 BST

Updated 28th Jun 2022, 17:31 BST

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Post Office workers from around 100 branches could take strike action next month.

Crown Post Offices will be affected by the action which will amount to around 114 locations across the UK.

Around 115,000 postal workers have the ability to vote on whether or not they will take strike action this summer.

The vote for strike action for postal workers will begin today.

The vote for strike action for postal workers will begin today.

If workers vote yes on the strike, it could mean the biggest industrial action taken by workers this summer.

So, why is the strike action being considered?

Here’s everything you need to know about the union vote.

Why are Royal Mail considering strike action?

The CWU union is demanding that Royal Mail Group negotiate with them to secure a straight, no-strings pay increase for employees.

At the time of writing, management intends to impose a 2% pay rise by executive action.

A Communication Workers Union spokesperson said: “Britain’s postal workers are being forced into accepting a massive pay cut by the same people they have generated incredible profits for.

“Our members are going to food banks while bosses reward themselves with advance bonuses.

“It is an unjust, unsustainable way to treat people.

“We have no doubt that workers will defy this despicable treatment, stand up for themselves and vote to begin the biggest strike of this summer.”

Additionally, Andy Furey who is the acting CWU assistant secretary said: “No worker wants to be in this situation, but Post Office bosses can’t be surprised that callous decisions are challenged by our members.

“This dispute is about dignity and respect for hard-working employees – essential public servants who, as key workers, provided unprecedented customer service during the pandemic.

“Our members feel betrayed and will not tolerate their living standards being smashed by people in charge of a public service that due to our members’ efforts made tens of millions of pounds in annual profits.

“There is more than enough money for a reasonable pay rise – implementing this pay cut is a management choice, not a necessity.”

When are Royal Mail strikes taking place?

The strike action is expected to take place on 11 July 2022. The action will be carried out by members of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) that work at Crown Post Offices.

What has been the Post Office’s response?

A Post Office spokesperson told inews that: “We want to assure our customers that the vast majority of our 11,500 branches are unaffected by the CWU decision to strike on 11 July and will be open throughout the day.

“There are 114 branches, typically in city centres, that are directly managed by the Post Office and on previous strike days over a third have opened as usual.

“We’re disappointed that the CWU have made the decision to strike but remain hopeful that we can reach a pay agreement soon.”

What Newcastle branches could be affected?

Here are a few of the branches that could be affected across the North East region:

Newcastle Road - 91 Newcastle Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 1JB
South Shields - 8 King Street, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 1HT
Sunderland City - 45-47 Fawcett Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 1RR

Which branches could see strike action?

Royal Mail Post Office Newcastle North East

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