Talks between Royal Mail and CWU end without agreement

Talks between union bosses and Royal Mail have ended without an agreement following 11 months of negotiations.

A Royal Mail spokesman said on Wednesday that he was "deeply concerned" the talks had ended with no agreement.

"We made substantial efforts to reach an agreement, including making a number of further improvements to our offer. These improvements were all based on feedback from the CWU, and we were hopeful that the CWU would put a deal to its members," he said.

"We remain committed to reaching an agreement with the CWU. We have been clear throughout the dispute that not transforming our network and working practices is not an option in a business losing more than £1m a day.

"In the best interests of the business, our customers, and the job security of our postmen and women, change cannot be delayed any further."

A spokesperson for the Communication Workers Union said: "There has been progress in several areas, and the union made it clear last night that we are willing to continue negotiations today and tomorrow to finalise an agreement. This offer has been reiterated to the company this morning.

"We will be consulting with the union’s Postal Executive later today and considering all available options with regards to our next steps.

"The company have published selected aspects of their latest offer directly to employees, claiming that the main sticking point is new entrants’ terms and conditions. This is not true.

"Our members have seen these actions throughout this dispute from the employer and they will not be fazed.

"We will engage with all union members on the status of the whole talks, explaining exactly where the differences are, including the unacceptable pressures being deliberately placed on postal workers through imposed revisions that are failing the quality of the postal service and of USO compliance."