"It's the only way to go" Salford Royal Mail workers vote Yes in the strike action ballot

“It’s the only way to go” Salford Royal Mail workers vote Yes in the strike action ballot

Workers at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Salford are voting Yes in the Communication Workers Union (CWU) ballot for possible strike action following ongoing disputes within the company

Michael Green, who works at the Salford delivery office located off Regent Road, voted Yes in the ballot

“I voted Yes – it’s the only way to go”.

Green, a CWU member and delivery driver, said in further comments:

“It’s just the way the company is going, if we don’t vote now we’re going to end up in the ground aren’t we? We’ve got to vote yes because this Rico Back is just taking the mick to be honest”

Colleague and fellow Yes voter, Joanne Guntrip, said:

“Just stop screwing us over – because that’s how it feels. We’re here to do our job at the end of the day, it’s what we’re here to do”

Images: Salford Delivery Office

Central Secretary of CWU Greater Manchester Branch, Jim McNicholls, said:

“We’re expecting a big yes. The support from our members has been fantastic”.

McNicholls, a Labour Party member, commented on the ballot and has shown his support on Twitter for Royal Mail Yes voters across Greater Manchester

“They’ve got to stand up for their terms and conditions and stop the breakdown of Royal Mail”

The CWU announced the ballot last month after ongoing challenges being faced in the company, including issues over job security and conditions of employment. Rico Back, who was appointed CEO last year, has caused controversy in his leadership and workers are starting to fight back.

Over 100,000 Royal Mail staff have been balloted for possible strike action and the result of the vote will be announced on 15th October.

Irlam Do Manchester standing strong, supporting their Trade Union The CWU@CWUGreaterManc @TEEVIEW @CWUnews #WeRiseAgain pic.twitter.com/a5v5Zxt4OZ

— kieran regan (@KierancwuKieran) September 10, 2019

Royal Mail was privatised in October 2013 and has faced ongoing difficulties competing with contemporary delivery services such as DPD and Hermes in the modern day climate.

The mail distribution service was founded in 1516, has over 1,400 delivery offices across the UK, and over 160,000 employees.

Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour party, has pledged in his most recent manifesto to re-publicise the Royal Mail postal service alongside the national rail system.

Busy day on the gate in Manchester today with Manchester SWDO, East DO, Irlam and Droylsden DOs. All “ having it “ and voting YES pic.twitter.com/AuYIJCWID4

— CWU Greater Manc (@CWUGreaterManc) September 10, 2019