Post union threatens strike action

Postal union leaders are today threatening to announce the first national mail strike for six years over changes to delivery times.

The national executive committee of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) meets this afternoon to consider calling a wave of 24-hour strikes, possibly starting next week.

The CWU is furious that Consignia has proposed scrapping the second post and intends to trial a four-hour timetable. The union is demanding trials of several delivery structures to safeguard jobs.

Industrial action would have severe implications for Consignia as it fights new competition in letter deliveries and huge losses. The company called on the union to enter mediation or risk further job cuts.