Royal Mail employees have faced a turbulent few years, grappling with a bitter dispute over pay and working conditions, followed by ongoing uncertainty about the organization’s future, according to union leader Dave Ward. Ward, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), has called for a “change of direction” within Royal Mail, criticizing its current business model. This statement comes amidst recent developments, including the rejection of a £3.1 billion takeover offer by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky from Royal Mail’s owner, International Distributions Services. Analysts anticipate that another bid may be forthcoming. Addressing the union’s annual conference in Bournemouth, Ward remarked, “The past few years have been a roller coaster for employees, from being hailed as key workers during the pandemic to enduring the most brutal industrial dispute I have witnessed, followed by debates about service quality and now a takeover bid.” Ward expressed reservations about the potential handover of such a prestigious UK institution to a foreign investor, while also acknowledging the shortcomings of the company’s current model. He emphasized the need for a new ownership and governance structure that prioritizes the interests of both employees and customers, rather than solely focusing on shareholder returns and compromising service standards and employee well-being. The CWU remains opposed to any attempts to reduce the frequency of mail deliveries. Royal Mail has proposed cutting second-class letter deliveries to every other weekday, following a suggestion from regulator Ofcom to reduce the number of delivery days.
Royal Mail’s ‘Roller Coaster’ Years: Union Leader Calls for Change Amid Takeover Speculation
