The Postal Executive, yesterday, unanimously endorsed the attached agreement.
It was right to suspend strike action. We have always promised our members that we would not take unnecessary strike action.
We would like to thank all of our members for your hard work and support during this difficult time.
The interim agreement clearly outlines how the full and final agreement will be shaped. It is also clear that Royal Mail have made significant concessions in the bitter long running local disputes. We must now use the strength of the agreement for local reps to re-engage and reach local agreements.
At national level it is essential we now focus our efforts on reaching a final agreement that delivers benefits to our members, customers and the company. This has always been and remains our primary objective.
In line with Royal Mail's record of misinformation, the company tried last night to position the agreement purely around the achievement of a strike free Christmas. We want a strike free Christmas and a strike free New Year, but the agreement is explicit in recognising that this is dependant upon significant progress being made. The addition of an independent chair for the discussions means that the level of progress will be independently measured at fortnightly intervals to ensure both parties continue to work towards the final agreement. Nobody will be allowed to walk away from the agreement.
Royal Mail has also accepted that the national ballot and all local ballots remain enacted.
In recent weeks and days - even whilst negotiations were taking place at the highest level - Royal Mail continued to deliberately confuse the situation. Now the interim agreement will be backed up by an independent process, Royal Mail's behaviour is no longer sustainable.
Additionally, the clear up arrangements, discipline and issues around people being taken off pay are dealt with in a stronger way than they have been historically. We know that trust cannot be rebuilt overnight but both parties have a responsibility to work towards it.
