Sparks fly over Royal Mail walkout plan

The first strike by Royal Mail workers in four years could take place on 10 October after the Communication Workers Union yesterday set out plans to ballot 125,000 staff in an attempt to derail privatisation plans.

The union is balloting members until 3 October, and if the majority back industrial action staff could strike seven days later. In June, 96 per cent of CWU members voted against privatisation and 92 per cent said they would consider taking action.