High cost of postal strike

The British Chambers of Commerce are extremely concerned at the prospect of industrial action at the Royal Mail (Stand or deliver, September 3). As the national voice for business, representing 135,000 firms of all sizes and sectors, we cannot remain silent. We urge both sides to consider their positions very carefully. A postal strike could have a devastating impact on business. The Royal Mail is generally seen as a good, cost-effective service and companies rely on it. If this is withdrawn, the impact on smaller businesses would be disastrous - a cheque arriving on time can mean the difference between life or death for some companies. Jobs depend on there being no postal strike.

As Communications Work ers Union members ponder their ballot paper and the TUC prepares for its conference, we urge the Royal Mail and the CWU to thrash out a deal.
David Frost
Director general, British Chambers of Commerce

The Royal Mail has seen its director's pay increase by more than 320% in two years. Its chief executive, Adam Crozier, received a bonus of £57,000 after just two months with the Post Office, and together with his deputy, Elmar Toime, at £500,000 per annum, are the UK's highest paid public servants. The pay offer to the CWU, without the cost cutting, is less than the headline rate of inflation. Is it any wonder that a strike looks likely?
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