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From: The Socialist issue 934, 1 February 2017: No ban, no wall: Socialism or Trumpism

Search site for keywords: Royal Mail - Workers - Solidarity - CWU - Peterborough - Socialist Party - Trade union - Pensions - Meetings - Jobs

Victory: removed Royal Mail workers reinstated

Royal Mail managers intimidating striking workers, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)

Carl Harper, Peterborough Socialist Party and CWU delivery representative (personal capacity)

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) Eastern 5 branch are celebrating a victory over Royal Mail in a battle over trade union solidarity.

Two members working in Peterborough mail centre were removed from the workplace and were facing disciplinary action after they had submitted a statement of support for another member who has been controversially dismissed.

Members of all the postal grades in Peterborough - including delivery, processing, and distribution - correctly saw this spiteful, retrospective action as an attack on the fundamentals of trade unionism - solidarity between members.

A proposition calling for industrial action up to and including a strike was passed by the branch and endorsed in principle by the CWU postal executive committee.

Withdrawal

Following a series of well attended meetings across all of the functions, the company agreed to reinstate the members and withdraw all disciplinary charges.

The company was clearly pushed back by the preparedness of members at Royal Mail to take solidarity strike action.

The company is looking to impose its cost-saving business model following privatisation. In addition to attacking union solidarity, this includes changes to members' pensions - effectively stealing thousands of pounds from our deferred wages.

The solidarity shown by members gives a clear indication to both the company and CWU of a readiness to fight for our jobs and terms and conditions at both local and national level.

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.