13th Nov 2019 16:31
(Alliance News) - Royal Mail PLC on Wednesday confirmed that the UK High Court has blocked potential strikes by its employees.
Royal Mail said "The interim injunction means no industrial action can be taken before the completion of a lawful ballot, resulting in a vote in favour of industrial action, and formal notification to the company of any action."
"Royal Mail's application to the High Court did not apply to employees within Parcelforce Worldwide. Its employees are the subject of separate ballot notices," the company added.
The postal services company brought legal action against the Communication Workers Union, or CWU, after members voted to back walkouts by 97% on a turnout of 76%. Royal Mail claimed the union orchestrated a "de facto workplace ballot", contrary to rules on industrial action, to maximise the turnout and the "yes" vote.
The CWU balloted members over strike action amid a dispute between workers and management over job security and employment terms.
The union previously said the result of the ballot, which was open between September 24 and October 15, represented the largest "yes vote" for national industrial action since the passing of the Trade Union Act 2016.
Shane O'Riordain, Royal Mail's managing director of regulation and corporate affairs, said: "We did not take the decision to go to the High Court lightly. We sought to reach resolution outside the courts. We asked CWU to confirm it would refrain from taking industrial action, based on clear evidence of planned and orchestrated breaches by CWU officials of their legal obligations. CWU declined to do so, and we then had no option but to resort to legal action."
"We stand ready to engage with the CWU. If the union provides a binding commitment to remove the threat of strike action for the rest of 2019, we will enter into discussions without preconditions. A binding commitment from the CWU to remove the threat of strike action during the period of any general election is vital," O'Riordain added.
Royal Mail said it remains committed to its agreements with CWU and stands ready to invest GBP1.8 billion to "turnaround and grow" the UK.
Royal Mail shares were up 1.6% at 231.30 pence each in London on Wednesday afternoon.
By Tapan Panchal; [email protected]
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