News

Royal Mail announce strike dates with four days of industrial action planned

Over 115,000 Royal Mail staff will form the biggest strike of the summer

The Hoot The Hoot - 11th August 2022

The dates for the upcoming Royal Mail strikes have been announced as workers vote “overwhelmingly” for four days of industrial action.

Over 115,000 Royal Mail staff will form the biggest strike of the summer so far to demand a "dignified, proper pay rise", report The Manc.

Following a number of significant recent strikes, including past and upcoming national rail strikes, barrister strikes, and Arriva bus strikes, as well as UK doctors threatening strike action if they do not receive a 30% pay rise over the next five years, it has been confirmed that the country’s postal service will be the next organisation to take industrial action.

After a recent ballot for strike action saw members vote by 97.6% on a 77% turnout to take action, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) said over 115,000 Royal Mail staff will form the biggest strike of the summer so far to demand a “dignified, proper pay rise”.

“Nobody takes the decision to strike lightly, but postal workers are being pushed to the brink,” said Dave Ward – General Secretary at the CWU.

“There can be no doubt that postal workers are completely united in their determination to secure the dignified, proper pay rise they deserve [as] we can’t keep on living in a country where bosses rake in billions in profit while their employees are forced to use food banks.

Royal Mail vans.
Image: Royal Mail

“When Royal Mail bosses are raking in £758m in profit and shareholders pocketing £400m, our members won’t accept pleads of poverty from the company. Postal workers won’t meekly accept their living standards being hammered by greedy business leaders who are completely out of touch with modern Britain.

“They are sick of corporate failure getting rewarded again and again.

“The CWU’s message to Royal Mail’s leadership is simple – there will be serious disruption until you get real on pay.”

The CWU has confirmed that the walkouts will take place on Friday 26 and Wednesday 31 August, and Thursday 8 and Friday 9 September.

Royal Mail has apologised to its customers for the disruption that the strike action is likely to cause.

“After more than three months of talks, the CWU have failed to engage in any meaningful discussion on the changes we need to modernise, or to come up with alternative ideas,” responded Ricky McAulay – Operations Director at the Royal Mail.

“The CWU rejected our offer worth up to 5.5% for CWU grade colleagues, the biggest increase we have offered for many years.

“In a business that is currently losing £1m a day, we can only fund this offer by agreeing the changes that will pay for it.

“Royal Mail can have a bright future, but we can’t achieve that by living in the past.”

Read more: TikTok video reveals the most dog-friendly shops in the UK

Featured Image – Royal Mail

News

Leeds Railway Station entrance FINALLY reopens after four-year delay

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It's the moment we have all been waiting for...the entrance to Leeds station has finally reopened.

The £46.1m Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway has been in the works since 2022, with the original target for completion set for autumn 2025.

A number of set backs meant that the opening was delayed time and time again, with the most recent hurdle being that one of the lifts was broken.

But now, all the hard work and patience (or lack thereof) has paid off because the entrance has finally reopened.

Images: The Hoot

Other than the swanky new stairs and lift that will take you straight to Bishopgate Street from the front of the station, there's also a new taxi rank that will also come into operation today.

The new taxi rank will allow hackney carriages to pick up there as well as the current location on Princes Square at the rear of the station. 

The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: "Leeds as a city is booming, and one of the truest indicators of our ongoing growth and appeal is the ever-rising number of people using our railway station. Currently, Leeds Station handles more than 27 million passengers a year, with footfall inside the station rising six percent year on year and is now busier than before COVID.

“It is fundamental that we have a station that is not only easily able to meet current demand but is also fit for the future, providing a welcoming gateway for the many millions of passengers travelling into our city.

Images: The Hoot

“At the same time, it is vital that our station gateway is a safer and more accessible environment for everyone who uses it. We have worked in close partnership with groups from across our city to ensure that these new facilities provide a much-improved experience which is more pedestrian-friendly and allows people to board taxis much more safely.”

So, what do you make of the new station?

Read more: Muse announced as first headline act for Roundhay Festival 2027

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

News

Muse announced as first headline act for Roundhay Festival 2027

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

After a triumphant debut year, Roundhay Festival is coming back with a bang.

And this time, British rock legends Muse will be taking to the stage as they are revealed as the first headline act.

Held over three days in July this year and organised by AEG Presents in collaboration with Leeds City Council, Roundhay Festival went down an absolute treat this year.

From thousands of bald-cap wearing Pitbull fans flocking to the scene to Lewis Capaldi making sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house, the inaugural festival was a booming success and we can't wait to welcome it back.

Muse will headline Roundhay Park on Sunday 27 June 2027, joined by a very special line-up including guests Nothing But Thieves and other acts yet to be announced.

Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK & European Festivals, says “Following the success of our first year at Roundhay Park, we’re delighted to be returning to Leeds with one of the most incredible live bands in the world.

"Muse’s legendary outdoor performances and unrivalled production values continue to set the benchmark for live music, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Roundhay for what promises to be a truly spectacular event.”

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This festival is a great example of how concerts and other cultural events and celebrations can act as a hugely positive showcase for Leeds.

“Bringing the music world’s top names to our city and giving them the opportunity to play in the breathtaking setting of Roundhay Park allows us to connect with new national and international audiences, while at the same time supporting the local economy.

“Local residents and businesses can also be assured that the council, alongside AEG Presents, will be working hard to keep them informed about road closures and the other traffic and travel arrangements that are required for the safe and smooth operation of an event on this scale.”

Tickets for Muse’s American Express presents Roundhay Festival date go on general sale at 10am this Friday 13 November. Find out more here.

Read more: Courteeners are returning to Sheffield to headline Rock N Roll Circus 2027

Featured image - Supplied

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