Mail Strikes: Fragile Truce Welcome, But Is The Union In Control?

11.51.06am GMT Mon 3rd Nov 2003

Welcoming the 'understanding' reached between Royal Mail management and the Communication Workers Union on the unofficial strike action by postal workers, Malcolm Bruce MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow DTI Secretary, said: "This 'understanding' gives hope that the unofficial strike will tail off, but it is no guarantee that the Union can agree a settlement when they have no control over their members. It is little more than a fragile truce."

"It is very frightening that the postal service, as a key part of the national infrastructure and life support system for many small businesses, can be at the mercy of this kind of wild cat action that even the Union doesn't officially agree with."

"The Government owns the Royal Mail on behalf of the public. Patricia Hewitt has a responsibility to ensure that the arbitration process is successful."