Union members are being asked by Royal Mail to call off all planned postal strikes, with the proposal to include conciliation service Acas in discussions over modernisation.

Talks are back on course between the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail in a desperate attempt to resolve all problems without the need for strikes.

Talks resumed following the Royal Mail’s decision to take on 30,000 temporary staff, an action condemned by the CWU as a “stupid move.” However, Royal Mail management see this as a reduction to the potential “unjustified and irresponsible” industrial action.

The 24-hour strikes were called by the CWU over pay, conditions and postal reforms. Mail centre staff and drivers will strike on Thursday 22 October, with delivery and collection staff striking the following day.

However, the UK’s largest private mail firm, TNT, have announced that they may be capable of delivering the “final mile” to people’s letterboxes. Royal Mail currently delivers 99% of all mail under 350 grams.

In an attempt to get their workers to the street, TNT has been lobbying the government.

Nick Wells, Chief Executive at TNT Mail UK believes that changes need to be made by central government.

“We need the market and regulatory barriers moving before we can put orange postmen on the street.”

“We have an alternative potentially for the future but not for the moment. Royal Mail has a de facto monopoly on the final mile delivery.”

A huge backlog is expected as a result of the Christmas rush, and Royal Mail are looking to keep on top of it by hiring 15,000 more temporary workers than last year.

Under the current employment law, the hiring of staff to do the work of employees on strike is illegal.

Royal Mail has justified its actions by stating that any backlogs would need to be cleared in the event of strike action and the Christmas rush.

Peter Mandelson suggested the use of conciliation service Acas; a move welcomed by CWU General Secretary Billy Hayes.

Hayes stated, “what I’d sooner Royal Mail be doing is negotiating seriously about trying to find a resolution to this dispute.”

The government has responded by warning that there are other alternatives to the postal system, with City minister, Lord Myners, commenting that “technology is providing new ways of communicating.”

The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, appeared unhappy at the prospect of strike action. Speaking with the BBC, he declared “I think the people who are calling for a strike are wrong, which isn’t to say they don’t have legitimate concerns. But taking the whole country hostage like this is the wrong thing to do.”

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