There’s a backlash against posties. We need to support them.

I Support My Postal Worker Campaign Graphic
Steve Topple


Postal workers are facing a backlash from some members of the public. This is because people’s post has been delayed. But is it the fault of Royal Mail staff? Umm, no.

Postal problems

The Guardian reported that Royal Mail has limited deliveries in 28 parts of the UK. The majority of these are in England. It said it was because “many staff have contracted coronavirus or are self-isolating”. So, you’d think given that we’re all suffering in some way due to the pandemic, people would be understanding about the situation. Unfortunately not.

As the Communications Union – CWU –  tweeted:

BBC News reported on quite a few people’s negative comments. One of the people “digging out” posties was Labour MP David Lammy. But the CWU were having none of it:

There are of course issues with the post. And there can be serious implications with it being delayed. The Isle of Wight County Press reported that people had missed their coronavirus vaccination appointments. This, people claimed, was due to the appointment letters being late. But even Royal Mail said that this was down to the “direct impact” of staff self-isolating. And with the vaccine rollout, the mass testing programme and so many people working from home – the whole system is under increased strain. This is not postal workers’ fault.

#ISupportMyPostalWorker

So, the union decided to do something positive:

People on social media put messages of support on the CWU’s timeline:

Some posties flipped the love back to their customers:

But it was Neha who maybe summed up what the real issue was, the best:

Indeed, at the start of the pandemic Royal Mail had issues. Some staff accused it of putting “profits before safety”. This was due to alleged lack of PPE. But these issues appear to have been sorted out.

A historic agreement

All this comes after the CWU reached a historic deal with Royal Mail. On 22 December 2020, the two parties struck an agreement which ended a two-year dispute over pay, conditions and the path the company was taking.

As the union’s general secretary Dave Ward tweeted:

We’ve secured an agreement to grow the company, a no compulsory redundancy commitment, 2.7% pay this year and 1% + 1 hour off the working week next year, a deal on joint change and the introduction of new tech will hand power to the workers not punish them.

Currently, the CWU is holding a consultation process with members over the deal.

Posties are trying their best under very difficult circumstances. So, let’s treat them with the respect they deserve – and get behind them during these difficult times. ‘Post’ a message to the CWU and its members under this tweet. They will probably really appreciate it.

Featured image via the CWU

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