Royal Mail has called the threat of strike action by members of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) “harmful”, ahead of the union’s meeting this week to decide whether a ballot should be held.

The union, which last month rejected the operator’s offer of an 8.6% increase in pay over three-years, will decide whether to hold a national strike ballot at a policy forum meeting in London on Wednesday and Thursday (31 July/1 August).

The operator said in a statement: “[We believe] that strike action or threat of strike action is harmful. Royal Mail operates in a very competitive market and we recognise that customers have a choice and can move their business very quickly.”

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “Patience is wearing thin and unless we can secure robust protection for jobs, pay and terms and conditions soon we are asking our reps to endorse a policy of holding a national industrial action ballot for no later than September.”

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