POSTAL workers are getting set for a series of strikes over pay and business disputes.
They look set to strike next Friday and Saturday and again the following Monday and Tuesday – meaning there will be no postal service in Kirklees for five days.
Nationally, 130,000 workers will walk out for 48 hours over both strike sessions.
Businesses will be hit the most by the planned strikes, which were declared after the Communication Workers’ Union accused Royal Mail bosses of destroying the business.
Union spokesman Dave Ward the strikes came after a decision by Royal Mail to raise the age of retirement and close its pension scheme to new recruits.
He described Royal Mail’s actions as ‘draconian and destructive’.
He added: “Strikes are a proportionate response to an employer that is completely out of control.
“Rather than running the business Royal Mail’s actions demonstrate they are intent on destroying it.
“The workforce has had enough of Royal Mail messing them around.
“We’re not going to tolerate an employer that ignores its workforce, ignores the union and ignores its customers.”
He said they were committed to reaching an agreement that benefited the business and employees in an effort to divert strike action.
A Royal Mail statement said no decisions had yet been made.
It added: “This action will severely limit our ability to provide any services for the coming period.
“Customers should expect severe disruption to all postal services during the strikes and for a significant period afterwards.”
Royal Mail says its priorities will be to ensure mail is processed.
But it warns customers to bring their postal dates forward to ensure their mail is processed.
