Forres postal workers take part in national strike action over pay offer

POSTAL workers in Forres are downing tools as part of national action calling for an improved pay deal.

Representatives led by picket line supervisor, Lina Can, protested outside the Forres Delivery Office at Bogton Place on Thursday, September 1 in solidarity with colleagues up and down the country, rejecting a pay increase of two per cent during the cost of living crisis while Post Office shareholders make millions in profits.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) asked members who collect, sort and deliver parcels and letters to take strike action on August 26 and 31, as well as September 8 and 9.

Lina explained: "On the first strike day we didn’t have a picket line supervisor so we were not able to have one outside our own office. However, after visiting the picket line in Elgin, I decided to become one, so we were able on the following day.

"It was successful as we had at least six employees there with many more supporters. Motorists honked their horns for our cause and we were given chocolates by passers-by. It was a really heart-warming experience."

Lina confirmed the majority of her colleagues in Forres are CWU members.

She added: "Strikes can cause tension but in our case they have pulled us together. We are one voice showing disapproval for what is happening."

The UK Government disposed of the country's shares in Royal Mail in 2015, effectively privatising the company that had been in public hands since 1516.

Since then, later delivery of mail to customers has become standard and there have been cuts in terms and conditions with a two-tier staff doing the same job for less pay.

Lina said: "We have seen the service become increasingly busier, with more online purchases. This added workload needs to be reflected in an adequate pay rise.

"We worked so hard through the pandemic and tried to do the best we could despite the extra workload that it brought us. It was the childrens' wonderful drawings in windows that helped us smile throughout it."

Strike leaflets explain the reasons for the action: Royal Mail group have imposed a two per cent pay increase without agreement plus a further 1.5 per cent based on signing away terms and conditions (sick pay and wage cuts); and they have offered £500 in 2023 for hitting "unachievable" targets.

Meanwhile the company recently made £758m profit and issued £400m to shareholders. At the same time two CEOs and the company finance officer took over £2m in bonuses.

The leaflet demands "a fair day's work for a fair day's pay", stating: "In the last 20 years thousands of jobs have been negotiated out of our industry but we demand that people are treated with dignity and respect."

Lina is worried about her rising bills including electricity and a mortgage that has increased a number of times this year.

She said: "It’s frustrating to hear about bosses adding bonuses to their paychecks while telling us we are getting a below inflation pay rise and have to accept changes made to our terms and conditions that protect us as workers.

"We work through all weathers to maintain this universal service - all we ask in return is the support of our customers at this time."

She finished: "Forres has an office that includes rural places where we offer a lifeline. It's in all our best interests to protect this service for all."

The Gazette offered Royal Mail the opportunity to comment but at the time of publication had received no response.