Postal workers in London are preparing to ballot for industrial action over the Christmas period in reaction to an overtime and pay dispute.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is outraged by the pay offered to workers over the festive season.

CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward said:

“Of course we want to deliver a service over Christmas, but Royal Mail should be prepared to resource that. They can’t deliver that service on the cheap. The national union is currently involved in last ditch negotiations with RM in an attempt to resolve the problem.”

Workers in the postal service are angered by what they refer to as ‘scrooge’ like tactics from their employer.

A union spokesperson said:

“They will make millions of pounds from the increase in mail but are expecting postmen and women to deliver it for next to nothing. Allan Leighton is acting like Scrooge. He owes it not just to his employees but to Royal Mail’s customers to resolve this problem.”

Christmas deliveries look to be further hampered by a separate nationwide dispute over rest day arrangements.

The union said:

“Postmen and women provide a six day service and work a five day week. Royal Mail management are trying to force Postal Workers to work on their day off. It’s not on. Unfortunately it looks like we’re heading for very serious problems over Christmas.”

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents some 25,000 of London’s postal workers, will issue ballot papers on industrial action within a week.