Post Office employees are set to vote on a 9% wage rise plus lump-sum payments and additional benefits, which could finally end widespread strike action that began in May 2022.
Ranging from £1,325 to £2,500 and pro-rata for part-timers, the lump-sum payments will be awarded to all staff, with an additional £650 paid to those whose basic salary is below £24,000 and £500 for people earning above that amount in 2022/23. Those in London will get an extra £300, while those receiving an Outer London Weighting Allowance will receive a further £219.
If accepted, from 1 April workers will also gain 30 days’ maximum annual leave after seven years of service, instead of 10 days.
In terms of family policies, staff would be entitled to three weeks, rather than the current two weeks, of fully paid paternity leave. Parental bereavement leave would also rise from two weeks to three months.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is balloting around 1,400 members this week, with voting closing on 11 April. It is urging them to accept the “fair deal”.
CWU acting deputy general secretary postal Andy Furey said: “This is a fair deal in difficult circumstances and couldn’t have been achieved without the solid and steadfast support of our fantastic members.
“We’re extremely appreciative of the patience and sustained determination that our members showed through what has been an extremely lengthy dispute and it’s our view that the money now on offer marks a considerable step forward – several steps forward – from what was initially an unacceptable position on the part of the employer.”
A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the CWU agree that the offer we have put forward provides a fair deal for their members and that they will be recommending a yes vote. We hope to get a positive response from their members so we can get the new pay rates in colleagues’ pockets as soon as possible.”
