Postal workers stage second strike

Postal workers are taking part in a second 24-hour strike in a bitter row over pay and jobs.

The Communication Workers Union said up to 130,000 of its members had walked out following an earlier stoppage last month.

Union leaders are angry with the offer of a 2.5 per cent rise and think their wages should go up in line with inflation.

They also warned that the Royal Mail's modernisation plans will lead to the loss of around 40,000 jobs.

Attempts to hold talks aimed at settling the dispute have failed.

A CWU spokesman said: "Disappointingly, Royal Mail simply concentrated on reiterating their previous offer that the workforce has already overwhelmingly rejected."

The Royal Mail has said it was "deeply disappointed" that another strike had been called, warning of further disruption for customers.

Chairman Allan Leighton, said: "Yet again the union has refused to grasp or understand the harsh commercial reality of the market in which Royal Mail now operates and the consequences for all of us if we don't modernise - and do it quickly.

"Their decision to call another strike changes nothing and achieves nothing other than to damage the business and our customers and drive more of them towards the internet or to rival operators."

Business leaders have called on the Government to intervene in the dispute.

A Federation of Small Businesses spokesman said: "A payment delayed in the post can mean the difference between life and death for a small firm."

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