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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.”

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Viral Yorkshire shop urges visitors to avoid weekends as huge queues form

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.

The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.

And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.

So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.

"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.

"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."

Read more: Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike

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Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.

If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.

The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.

The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.

Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.

Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.

Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.

Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.

"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.

"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.

"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.

"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.

"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."

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