Postal workers across the north and north-east are taking part in strikes as part of their fight for a pay rise they feel reflects their work during the pandemic.
More than 100,000 staff are participating in a 24-hour strike across the UK today to fight for better pay and working conditions.
It has been described as the biggest strike of the summer so far, and follows a ballot in which 97.6% of Communication Workers Union (CWU) members voted in favour of the action.
It is the first of four days of planned industrial action across Scotland.
Despite being classed as key workers during the pandemic, postal workers have only been offered a 2% pay rise – which they class as a cut, given the rising cost of inflation.
The postal strikes come as council workers across the country are also striking over pay.
‘Insulting’
Robbie McIlwraith, branch secretary for CWU in the Highlands, said the proposed pay rise “isn’t enough to make ends meet” and called the strikes a “last resort”.
He said Royal Mail has offered an extra 3.5% pay increase, however, this is tied to changes in working conditions including start times, sick pay and annual leave.
“There is quite a lot of anger, both with the pay offer and with all the changed to terms and conditions which have not been agreed,” he said.
Looking back at the last few years, Mr McIlwraith said it has been “insulting” to watch shareholders receive “huge dividends” while those at the heart of the business are left feeling “undervalued”.
He added: “People are proud to work for Royal Mail, to give a service to the public, we’re proud to do that, we worked all the way through the pandemic.
“I’m amazed when other people say ‘Oh remember the pandemic, how we all stayed at home?’ Well we didn’t, we were out.”
‘Kick in the teeth’
Highland postal workers are on the picket lines throughout the day, and Mr McIlwraith estimates that 99% of their 136 staff are striking.
Ian Storer, who has been working for Royal Mail for 16 years, said he had only seen two people cross the picket line, but understands that some people are struggling to support families.
He talked about the changes to working conditions proposed by Royal Mail and the impact that would have on the lives of its employees.
“We’re employees, but what they’re trying to do is take over our lives,” he said. “It’s as if they own you.”
In terms of once being called a key worker, he said: “It’s a kick in the teeth. You’re being told you’re so important, then they give you a 2% increase.”
“It feels like you’re not valued.”
‘We want recognition’
Mr McIlwraith’s words were echoed by fellow CWU member George Ross, who was leading the strike at Aberdeen’s delivery office in Kittybrewster.
The union’s branch secretary for Grampian and Shetland dismissed the 2% pay rise, saying it is as a “derogatory amount” to offer amid the cost of living crisis.
He said: “There is money for shareholders, there is money for the board, there is money for the managers – and there is no money for the staff. There is no recognition for us.
“I’ve been in Royal Mail for 33 years – good times and bad times, and they have always been a decent employer and worked alongside the unions.
“But now, they’ve decided to talk at us and not with us – and with that we’re never going to shift.
“People just can’t cope. Everything has gone up – cost of living, inflation, interest rate, cost of food and fuel – and this has only exasperated the situation.”
More strikes to come if Royal Mail doesn’t come on board
More strikes are planned for August 31, September 8 and 9.
As the action involves workers who collect, sort and deliver parcels and letters, mail distribution across the country will be brought to a near standstill.
On strike days, Royal Mail will only deliver special delivery and Tracked24 parcels – prioritising the delivery of Covid test kits and medical prescriptions.
Mr Ross added that while they apologise for any caused disruption, postal workers will take further strike action in future unless Royal Mail doesn’t join the discussion.
“We need an acceptable offer,” he said. “A number that actually reflects that we need to have a decent livable lifestyle.
“This will be a long, drawn-out process unless they want to come to the table and discuss and negotiate the matter.”
Mary Hay, CWU representative for Royal Mail’s delivery office in Inverurie, added: “We aren’t looking for any more than we deserve.
“No one wants to or can afford to take this action but doing nothing will condemn us to the depths of this living cost crisis.
“So, the industrial action will go ahead unless RMG change their mantra.”
Conversation