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date: 17 December 2008

embargo: For immediate release

TUC support for unions over privatisation threat

The TUC General Council today (Wednesday) expressed support for the unions with members at the Royal Mail - the Communication Workers Union and Unite - and their opposition to suggestions from Business Secretary Lord Mandelson that parts of the UK's postal service could be sold off.

Commenting on the decision, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'There are genuine fears that if another organisation takes a stake in Royal Mail, even a minority one, this could lead to partial privatisation.

'The Government says that any joint venture doesn't represent a watering down of that commitment, but these proposals will raise fears that they are a step on the way to full privatisation.

'While moves to underwrite the pension deficit and a commitment to long overdue modernisation are very welcome, privatisation cannot be an option.

'The Government must now talk to the unions representing Royal Mail staff before making any further move.'

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 17 Dec 2008