Consultative Ballot Results

Dear Colleague

CWU Consultative Ballot

We are pleased to announce the result of the Consultative Ballot as follows:-

Q1: Do you oppose the privatisation of Royal Mail? YES –96%

Q2: Do you support the boycott of competitors’ mail? YES – 92%

Q3: Do you support the CWU Pay claim? YES –99% Q4: Do you support the policy of non-cooperation? YES –92%

The turnout for the ballot was 74%.

The full results as counted, verified and confirmed by the Independent Scrutineer, Popularis Limited, are attached.

We would like to thank all CWU Branches, Representatives and members for their efforts in undertaking the Consultative Ballot and returning an overwhelming vote in favour of CWU policy.

CWU members have massively rejected Government and associated company plans to privatise Royal Mail. Furthermore, by supporting overall CWU policy our members have shown their determination to protect and promote their jobs, terms and conditions and the future of UK Postal Services.

In direct response to our Consultative Ballot we can also advise of two important developments from Royal Mail. Firstly, the company has initiated at 1400 hours today legal proceedings against the Union in relation to the Boycott. The Union is consulting with our Lawyers on this matter. Secondly, the company has confirmed in writing an offer for a 3 year Pay Deal linked to previously rejected pension proposals and other associated conditions over the future. The company has insisted this is a closed offer for 7 days which means we cannot divulge any more detail at this stage.

Although an outline of the offer was shared verbally with the Postal Executive yesterday, we agreed that given the company’s pending legal challenge, time should be set aside at a future meeting to fully consider the proposal.

In terms of our next steps, the Postal Executive will meet in the near future to consider the following:

* The company’s written proposal on pay and other associated conditions.

* How we take forward the views expressed in the Consultative Ballot.

* Where we are on all outstanding national talks and the positions we intend to take to a Special Conference in the very near future.

* How we now engage Parcelforce members in their own Consultative Ballot and plans in support of overall Union policy.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the Consultative Ballot has been an extremely successful exercise in demonstrating the strength of feeling and this will boost the fight against privatisation and unfair competition. Furthermore it will strengthen our ongoing negotiations with the company and Government. We have also attached to this LTB a copy of today’s press release and a members’ letter that should be immediately distributed in the workplace. Further information on all these issues contained in this LTB will follow in due course.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the DGS (P) Dept.