Royal Mail to stage six fresh strikes in December, including on Christmas Eve

Royal Mail workers are to stage six fresh strikes next month, including on Christmas Eve, in the long running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions, the Communication Workers Union has announced.

The CWU said its members will walk out on December 9, 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24.

This is in addition to strikes already notified for November 24, 25 and 30, and December 1.

A CWU spokesperson said: “The CWU want a negotiated settlement with Royal Mail Group and will continue to engage the company to that end.

“But those in charge of Royal Mail need to wake up and realise we won’t allow them to destroy the livelihoods of postal workers.”

Royal Mail workers join civil servants, nurses, rail workers, university staff and potentially teachers in a wave of planned industrial action over pay and working conditions.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Our preference is for an agreement with the CWU but the change we need is not optional.

“They should be focused on a resolution to this dispute for their members and the long-term health of the business, rather than damaging strike action.”

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know