I AM disappointed at Clive Harrison letter, Posties stuck in a time warp (Oxford Mail, June 13).

A secret strike ballot, where people weigh up all the arguments and consequences, is the clearest message of all.

There is nothing 1970s about 77.7 per cent of the workforce voting in support of their union's stance - it's democracy!

Postal workers have rejected Royal Mail's plans and are saying they are fed up with the way they are being treated.

They want Royal Mail to negotiate an improved deal with their union, not sit on the sidelines and abrogate their responsibilities.

The Communication Workers' Union (CWU) is offering the employers a further opportunity to engage in fresh and meaningful negotiations before strike action takes place.

I would ask Mr Harrison to consider the following points: Modernisation: The workforce will not shy away from change - we have a long history of dealing with automation.

But Royal Mail cannot hide behind the word 'modernisation' when what it really means is cuts in the service, pay and jobs. It will be the agreed introduction of automation that can reduce costs while improving service and properly rewarding staff.

This means the bosses must step back from the current damaging cost-cutting frenzy taking place in every workplace.

The CWU wants an agreement on automation, pay and pensions that genuinely helps the company face up to the challenge of competition, maintains the public service, looks after those staff who choose to leave and improves the terms and conditions for those who stay.

This would mean the company returning to working with the union, in partnership.

Pay: We have not asked for a 27 per cent pay rise. Royal Mail has deliberately misled the public on this point. What postal workers want is a decent basic living wage.

The union will be realistic about what can be achieved in the short term, but with April inflation at 4.8 per cent, we will not accept a pay cut in real terms.

By refusing to negotiate, Royal Mail shows that its real motivation is about destroying the union rather than working with it to make Royal Mail a success.

I urge Oxford Mail readers not to be misled by the vast spin at Royal Mail's disposal. However, if Royal Mail chooses to press on regardless with its cuts and attacks on the workforce and our customers, it will be responsible for the first (lawful) national postal strike in 11 years.

NOEL FAY, Postman, Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys, Oxford.