Post Office calls off pay strike

Post Office employees have called off scheduled strike action over pay.

The strike, scheduled for 4 November, was called off following a letter from Paula Vennells, chief executive officer of the Post Office.

Post Office employees have not received a pay rise since April 2011 as a result of an organisation-wide pay freeze.

Two days of intensive talks between the organisation and the unions Unite and Communication Workers Union (CWU) are planned for this week.

A spokesperson from the Post Office said: “The Post Office and CWU teams met all day Tuesday and Wednesday [last] week to talk about our vision for the future of the Crown network.

“These talks have been constructive, which is welcome, and we will be continuing these talks.

“While neither of us underestimates the work still to do, the Post Office and the CWU remain committed to resolving the present dispute and we have confirmed meetings to continue to work towards this.

“In light of this, the CWU has decided to call off the strike action for Monday so we can continue our discussions.

”The Post Office welcomes this decision, which is good news for our customers and will allow us to focus on the ongoing discussions.”

Andy Furey, national officer at CWU, added: “In her letter, Vennells committed to authorising whatever resource is needed to evaluate areas where we can move towards concluding an agreement.

“After seven months and twelve rounds of industrial action, we are pleased the Post Office is finally accepting responsibility for this dispute and coming to the table with serious intentions to find a resolution once and for all.”