Post Office strike: Can I still send letters and packages?
ON Monday, July 11, 2022, Post Office workers began a day-long strike over pay, with further industrial action set to follow.
So why's it happening, and will you still be able to send letters during the walk-out?
Why is there a Post Office strike?
In July 2022, Communication Workers Union members went on strike at Crown Post Offices in a dispute over pay.
These are the larger branches, which are normally on high streets.
Administrative and supply-chain workers are set to walk out on Thursday, July 14, 2022.
This will affect sub-post offices, according to CWU.
The union said it opposed the offer from Post Office management of a 3% pay rise for the 2022-23 financial year, alongside a £500 one-off lump sum payment, and no pay rise for the 2021-22 financial year, which CWU complains is well below the inflation rate.
CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said: “The blame for this disruption lies entirely with the senior Post Office leadership, who have repeatedly failed – and wilfully refused – to set out a sensible and fair pay agreement.
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“Everyone knows that the only solution is a fair pay rise that properly rewards members for their extraordinary efforts in serving the public and delivering a profitable Post Office, while also taking account of the extreme cost of living.
“There most certainly is money available, but management do not want to give workers their fair share.
“Our message to the employer today is: don’t waste our members’ time by misleading statements.
“Stop the spin and get serious about pay. Until you do this, the strikes will continue.”
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A Post Office spokesperson said: “We can confirm that 57, which is half, of our Directly Managed Branches have opened today.
“Strike action taking place on Thursday 14 July is within our Supply Chain network and will not impact any of our 11,500 branches from opening as they would normally.”
Can I still send letters and packages during the Post Office strike?
Though many sites will still be open, it would be wise to contact your local Post Office and find out whether they're operating during the strike, to avoid disappointment.
The company has advised customers to use sub-post offices, or visit a WH Smith if their local Crown branch is where you will be able to send letters and parcels as usual.
How to check if the Post Office near me is closed?
The Post Office website has a that allows you to find your nearest branch using your postcode.
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From there, you can check their opening hours or contact them direct.
They also have a list of .