BCC expresses anger at Royal Mail ‘madness’

The ongoing dispute between the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the Royal Mail has been branded ‘madness’ by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The comments were made after the CWU confirmed that further strike action will be taking place today (Thursday), Friday and Saturday. It was thought that the Royal Mail and CWU were close to reaching an agreement this week, but both parties have since revealed that talks broke down yesterday.

The latest strike will see around 44,000 mail centre staff absent from work today, with 400 mail assistants and 77,000 delivery and collection staff to follow suit on Friday and Saturday. The CWU has come under fire from a number of business leaders for calling strikes at a time when small businesses are already struggling to survive.

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, commented:

“There was a moment of hope that this damaging dispute would be coming to an end when the unions and Royal Mail began formal negotiations this week. Disappointingly, it appears this madness is set to continue.

“No one is benefiting from ongoing industrial action and hard-pressed businesses are the innocent victims. With the country still in recession, this really is a poorly timed strike. Companies simply cannot rely on the postal service, and Royal Mail is paying for it in lost contracts and revenue.”