date: 30 October 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC statement on Royal Mail dispute

Commenting today (Friday) on the Royal Mail dispute, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'As you all know this is a difficult and complex dispute which the TUC has been working with the CWU and Royal Mail to seek to resolve.

'Despite all the pressures of the dispute, both the CWU and Royal Mail thought it would be right to come in again today to explore if we can resume substantive negotiations to build on the progress that was made earlier this week.

'Further work is needed on all sides to finalise the terms of a possible settlement and I have put a number of proposals to Royal Mail and the CWU to consider on possible approaches to some of the big issues that remain in dispute. They have agreed to look at these proposals over the weekend and consult appropriately with colleagues with a view to returning to the TUC for further negotiations early next week.

'In a high pressure dispute of this kind we all understand that there is intense media interest.

'But in my experience it is not helpful to the prospects of reaching agreement for details of negotiating positions and possible solutions to be batted about in the media. Both parties have accordingly agreed to my request that they should not comment publicly on the negotiations while they continue.

'Royal Mail provides a hugely important public service and everyone involved in these talks knows how damaging it would be if an agreement is not achieved. In my judgement too both parties have a genuine desire to build a better relationship going forward to transform and modernise Royal Mail in the interests of the service and the workforce too.

'I hope that these talks which will be resumed next week will be able to make a breakthrough to an agreement that can provide a more positive way forward.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The TUC will be making no further statement on the Royal Mail dispute or taking interview bids until further notice.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 30 Oct 2009