20th October 2009
The following statement is in response to the statement made by Lord Mandelson this afternoon in the House of Lords.
Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: “Peter Mandelson’s re-reading of old Royal Mail press releases helps no one. Repeating the management mantra that is blatantly untrue is extremely unhelpful.
“It was only a few months ago that Lord Mandelson said Royal Mail management was unable of creating an effective industrial relations environment. He now blindly backs that same management.
“These comments will damage the talks. While the CWU and management are working hard to reach an agreement, Lord Mandelson is misrepresenting the facts to Parliament and undermining any progress being made in the talks.
“His comments about the dispute being centred on London are ill informed and untrue. A 76 per cent yes vote was returned in a nationwide ballot which is proof of this.
“His late conversion to ACAS is welcome.
“The CWU will be available for talks at ACAS without condition. We expect Royal Mail to do likewise.
“The pension deficit is relevant to the dispute. The burden on the company’s finances have an adverse effect on the ability to reach agreement. The government has an obligation to resolve this.”
The union remains in talks and is working hard for an agreement.
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