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Postal strike 'would hit small firms'
Aug 29 2003
Steve Pain, Birmingham Post
Business leaders have warned that a national postal strike could lead to the collapse of thousands of small companies.
Their concern came as 160,000 workers started voting on whether to take industrial action in a row over pay.
Talks aimed at resolving the dispute broke down on Wednesday night, with the Royal Mail accusing the Communication Workers Union of "going back-wards" and asking for more money.
The union said the Royal Mail had treated workers with "total contempt" as the attempted peace talks at the conciliation service Acas ended with the two sides further apart then ever.
The British Chambers of Commerce said it was "very concerned" at the threat of a national strike.
Policy adviser Matthew Knowles said: "A cheque arriving in the mail on time can mean the difference between life and death for a company, especially a small firm.
"We hope that a stoppage can be averted and, if not, the Royal Mail's contingency plans can take up the slack."
Jerry Blackett, policy director at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, added: "Potentially thousands of small firms in the West Midlands could be seriously disrupted if this action goes ahead. There are 30,000 businesses in Birmingham alone - many vulnerable to the effects of a strike.
"We would strongly urge both sides to strive to reach an agreement without the need for strike action."
There are no plans for further talks and the union is pressing ahead with its ballot, with voting due to end on September 17.
