Step up the action to win this crucial battle

Details were emerging of a shift in tactics from Royal Mail bosses as Socialist Worker went to press.

Management has delayed the introduction of a change of start times for delivery workers. To get the changes through without provoking escalation of strike action, management have offered some concessions over shift allowances.

And despite months of saying there is no more money on the table, management has discovered an apparent extra £23 million.

So far this has not even produced any offer of meaningful negotiations let alone a decent pay rise for the post workers.

While the management gurus who run Royal Mail have talked tough over recent weeks and parroted Gordon Brown’s line over holding down public sector pay, they have been rattled by the extent and strength of the CWU union’s action.

It is strikes that have produced even this slight movement from the bosses.

Some in the CWU may see an offer of negotiations as enough to halt the strikes.

But it is the action of the post workers on the picket lines that will get a decent settlement out of Royal Mail.

The following should be read alongside this article:

Post activists discuss escalating the strike

Royal Mail attempt divide and rule over start times

National protest and new post strike dates announced

Dishing out the disciplinaries

Fake customer plan bites dust

Unofficial strike action ‘sparked by management provocation’

Upbeat mood on picket lines across the country

Post strike on with talks between CWU and Royal Mail set for Thursday