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
Manchester United’s statement in full as Michael Carrick is sacked as manager
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United has now released a formal statement following the news that Michael Carrick has been sacked with immediate effect.
Carrick – who initially played for Manchester United as a midfielder between 2006 and 2018 – was first appointed as a caretaker manager in 2021, before he went on to become the interim manager and then men’s first team head coach earlier this year.
Unfortunately though, United have struggled to find form this season – with the team winning only three of their first 15 games across all competitions.
The club’s statement reads in full: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
“Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
Featured Image – Sky Sports (via YouTube – screenshot)
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‘First-of-its-kind’ reward offered to help find Salford man who went missing 10 years ago
Emily Sergeant
A first-of-its-kind reward is being offered for information on the whereabouts of a Salford man who went missing 10 years ago.
Michael Martin, from Salford – who was 25 when he disappeared – was first reported missing on Monday 8 August 2016 and was last seen at a petrol station on Bolton Road in Kearsley at 7:30am on Sunday 7 August 2016, but since then, there have been no further reported sightings him.
Following immediate enquiries, detectives launched a murder investigation the following week, and the investigation then became what is known as a ‘no-body murder’.
Over the past decade, detectives have been working to try and bring Michael’s body back to his family so they can lay him to rest.
But now, a first-of-its-kind reward of £50,000 is being offered for any information.
Micheal Martin went missing in 2016 / Credit: GMP (Family Handout)
“The not-knowing is gut wrenching every day,” Micheal’s father, Greg Martin, said as he appealed to the public. “We know he’s dead but it’s just not knowing where he was, where he is and what happened to him. It’d give the family some closure – a form of sort of peace.
“My message to the people is to do the right thing. Tell someone or indirectly let the police know what happened to Michael so we can get some peace of mind and closure.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, added: “We are appealing directly to help his family lay their loving son to rest. Michael’s family have not been able to bury their son to bring an element of closure to this heartbreaking tragedy.
“The reward we are offering has never been offered before and that is how much we want to bring Michael home. His family deserve to bring their boy home.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team via the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal here, or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
30th June 2022 
