Lord Mandelson calls Royal Mail postal strike "totally self defeating"

The CWU is currently locked in last minute talks to avert a national strike due to begin tomorrow. The union has been organising localised strikes almost continuously since June in protest at Royal Mail’s implementation of its modernisation plan.

Royal Mail says its need to modernise is essential for the company to survive, but the CWU has accused the company of forcing through change by “diktat” without considering the views and interests of the workers.

Yesterday speaking to the House of Lords, Lord Mandelson, said that Royal Mail faced “terminal decline” if it did not modernise.

“I very much regret what is happening... I think it is totally self-defeating for our postal services and those who work to deliver them. Taking industrial action will not resolve this dispute. It will serve only to drive more customers away from Royal Mail.”

Billy Hayes, general secretary of the CWU, said of Lord Mandelson’s comments, "These comments will damage the talks. While the CWU and management are working hard to reach an agreement, Lord Mandelson is misrepresenting the facts to Parliament and undermining any progress being made in the talks.”