Managers at Royal Mail managers have voted “overwhelmingly” to strike in a dispute over job cuts and a redeployment programme.
Following a number of significant recent strikes, including the three-day national rail strikes, and the barrister strike, as well as UK doctors threatening strike action if they do not receive a 30% pay rise over the next five years, it has been confirmed that the country’s postal service will be the next organisation to take industrial action.
Members of the Unite union in Great Britain backed the industrial action by 86%, and by 89% in Northern Ireland – with around 2,400 managers at more than 1,000 delivery offices involved in the ongoing dispute.
Strike dates are set to be confirmed later this week.
Unite union says the ballot this week was a response to what are plans to cut 542 frontline delivery managers’ jobs, as well as implement a redeployment programme with worse terms and conditions for employees.
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“It’s no surprise at all that these workers have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action. Make no mistake, @RoyalMail is awash with cash –there’s no need to sack workers,drive down pay or pursue this ill-thought out redeployment programme.” @UniteSharonhttps://t.co/5k1P4oJ5j3
— Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) June 29, 2022
The union’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, said it’s “no surprise at all that these workers have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action”, and that “enough is enough”.
She continued: “Make no mistake, Royal Mail is awash with cash.
“There is no need whatsoever to sack workers, drive down pay or pursue this ill-thought-out redeployment programme.
“These plans are all about boardroom greed and profiteering and nothing whatsoever to do with securing this vital public service – shareholders have been seizing the Royal Mail profits, while our members have been holding the service together.”
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Managers at Royal Mail managers have voted “overwhelmingly” to strike / Credit: Royal Mail
In response to the overwhelming vote for strike action, a Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are disappointed by the announcement that Unite members have voted in favour of both industrial action and industrial action short of a strike, also known as work to rule.
“Unite have stated they will be informing us in due course in relation to the terms of any industrial action.
“Throughout the ballot process, Unite head office has misled members about additional job losses – this is not true.
“Unite has ignored our request to correct these claims. There are no grounds for industrial action. The extended consultation on these changes concluded earlier this year, and the restructuring is complete.
“We committed to protecting pay for all managers who stay with Royal Mail, and the vast majority will see an increase in their earnings.”
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Royal Mail is awash with cash – but it wants to sack 542 Unite members, workers at the heart of the business.
— Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) June 29, 2022
The spokesperson continued: “We allowed managers to request voluntary redundancy with a package of up to two years’ salary, which was over-subscribed, and we also made several concessions during the process, which Unite declined.”
The Royal Mail also confirmed that it has “contingency plans in place” to keep letters and parcels moving in the event of a strike.
Featured Image – Royal Mail
News
Popular bar chain The Alchemist to rewind back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 next month
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s most popular bar chains is celebrating its sweet 16th birthday next month by winding back to 2010.
Money is always tight in January, right?
Once Christmas is over with, and so is the festive feasting and drinking, many like to use the first month of the new year to lay low and save some money back up – which is why The Alchemist is launching a limited-edition ‘2010 Revival Menu’, bringing back some of its most iconic early cocktails and dishes – all at their original prices from 16 years ago.
For the whole month, you can enjoy the curated throwback selection starting from £6, which i perfectly timed for a month of saving without sacrificing going out.
The Alchemist is rewinding back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 / Credit: The Manc Group
The 2010 Revival Menu includes the return of the fan-favourite White Chocolate Raspberry Martini for £6 on the cocktail menu, which was an early Alchemist staple, alongside other fan-favourites like the Colour Changing One and Virgin Pornstar, both for £6 again.
When it comes to food dishes for £6, you can tuck into a selection of different refreshing salads, while stretching your budget up to £10 will get you things like Chicken in a Basket, a Cheeseburger, and Fish and Chips.
Other iconic Alchemist cocktails returning for a fraction of the price next month include the popular Smoky Old Fashioned, and Dead Read Zombie – both for £8.
The Alchemist opened its original bar in Manchester‘s swanky Spinningfields district all the way back in 2010, and quickly became a popular and stylish destination with its high ceilings and industrial features, and has since developed into a much larger chain – with not only more Manchester destinations, but others across the UK too.
Macclesfield FC player Ethan McLeod tragically killed in car crash
Danny Jones
Local footballer Ethan McLeod, who played for Macclesfield FC, has sadly died following a tragic car crash on the motorway.
The Birmingham-born player and former Wolves academy talent was driving back home from Macclesfield’s away game against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in a collision along the M1.
Just 21 years old, the talented Cheshire-based forward was a substitute in the 2-1 win over the East Midlands side in the National League North.
The accident is said to have occurred at around 10:40pm on 16 December near Northampton after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
You can read the official Silkmen statement in full down below:
“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life. Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club, and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
Rest in peace, Ethan McLeod.
The Macclesfield FC forward was involved in a car accident that took his life when travelling back from Bedford Town on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/A3u7JFmdlE
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal”, they continued, “but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore, and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.
His past clubs, as well as plenty of other teams, organisations and people in and around the footballing world, are paying tribute to the promising youngster.
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod who has passed away following a car accident last night.
The 21 year old spent a number of years with the academy setup at Wolves and will be missed by many. #WWFCpic.twitter.com/MSjKaISMKT
Emily Sergeant -
30th June 2022 
