CWU and EP Group Reach Royal Mail Agreement: Press Conference Today

COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

16/12/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CWU REACH GROUNDBREAKING AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE WITH EP GROUP OVER THE FUTURE OF ROYAL MAIL + PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11:00 TODAY

Responding to the news that EP Group and the government have reached an agreement on the Group’s proposed takeover of Royal Mail, Communication Workers Union General Secretary Dave Ward said: “At the same time as this agreement is announced, we are pleased to have reached a negotiators settlement with EP Group covering crucial areas such as job security, the governance of the company, a meaningful stake in the business for employees, restoring quality of service, legally binding commitments and improving the terms and conditions of our members.

“This agreement provides the foundation to rebuild Royal Mail.

“These have been challenging negotiations but through the support of our members we have delivered what by any measure is a groundbreaking agreement which puts postal workers and customers back at heart of everything we do in Royal Mail.

“Ultimately, the CWU will always campaign for Royal Mail to be returned to public ownership, but the reality is once it became clear the government would support this takeover, our role as a trade union was to do everything possible to protect our members.

“The other major factor here is whilst many will fear Royal Mail falling into the hands of a foreign equity investor, the truth is that the status quo is what will kill off postal services in the UK.

“The Royal Mail Group Board have been running the company into the ground over a sustained period and in the process have completely alienated their own workforce. It is time for a fresh start and a complete re-set of employee and industrial relations.

“If the takeover is completed, we will make sure every aspect of our agreement with EP Group is upheld in full.”

ENDS

Editor’s Notes

The CWU will hold a press event via Zoom today at 11:00.

Dave Ward will make a statement to the media and will be available to take questions.

Details: https://cwu-org.zoom.us/j/84058170844?pwd=fAikrDCxbQqN1fUkYPmFTke9EFKHfj.1 Meeting ID: 840 5817 0844 Passcode: 810208

The CWU Postal Executive will shortly meet in order to debate the agreement. Should it be ratified, an engagement programme will begin with CWU members.