Postal Strikes

Following a series of localised strikes, Royal Mail workers have started nationwide strikes. Unlike strikes in the past, this is not about wages and conditions, it is about changing working practises without consultation.

The internet has changed the way people communicate. Instead of sending letters, people uses email. The only type of mail increasing is parcels, because more people shop on-line. Most people see the strike action as speeding up the transition, forcing the Royal Mail to speed up its modernisation plans.

As a capitalist I would argue that if your don’t like your working conditions, look for a better job. If your employer is not going to treat you well, then you should not stay out of loyalty to them. Striking is a pointless activity, unless your employer blocks your freedom to move, eg, gives you a bad reference, long notice periods, lose accrued benefits like pensions, etc.

It is the owners decision as to how they run the business. Their money is at risk if it goes bankrupt. Workers do not have a right to dictate how the business should operate. Clearly if a worker has a good idea, the management should implement it. But striking because the idea is ignored is completely illogical. Although workers loose their jobs when a company goes bust, striking causes losses so simply speeds up the firm’s failure.

Some commentators see it as political posturing buy the unions to force the Labour party to move left, now the Conservitives are winning the centre. Backbenchers prevented the next phase of postal reform going through parliament. So now they are trying to get the goverment to make it a protected industry.

Many people still cling to the old post service, including twice daily deliveries. But if something is that urgent you can phone or email. Most of my mail is either junk or bills, so I would be happy with weekly mail deliveries. In other countries, other models have beed developed. Such as the post office opening and scanning your mail so you can view it online and select the items you need delivered.

If the union thinks the existing system is the best, then they should buy the Royal Mail from the government.