POSTAL workers in Oxfordshire are striking for a second day in a dispute over fair pay.

The strike will affect deliveries of packages and letters, as more than 115,000 staff are expected to walk out today across the country, according to the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Postal workers took industrial action on Friday last week, which the CWU declared “the biggest strike in the UK since 2009”.

Today's strike will be followed by two more on September 8 and 9.

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CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said: “What’s really making members angry is knowing that the managers will be getting their bonuses tomorrow – on the backs of the hard work our members have put in – while refusing to resolve pay for hard-working counter staff, supply chain and admin workers.

“This current senior management team have got their priorities all wrong.

“They won’t be able to operate without the hard work and goodwill of our members and it’s about time they recognised that fact.

“Hopefully the increased pay offer from 3 per cent to 5 per cent is a sign that they’re moving in the right direction as a consequence of these strikes.

“It’s still nowhere near enough – but it’s a step forward. And with the terrible news on Friday about energy prices, it’s more important than ever that we get that fair pay deal that our members deserve.”

Last week, at Royal Mail’s East Oxford delivery office in Littlemore, dozens of workers went on strike this morning and held banners reading "stand by your post" and “on strike for fair pay.”

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Workers at Parcelforce in Kidlington and staff from Royal Mail's delivery office in Witney were also out striking and there was a crowd protesting outside Banbury's office in Merton Street.

CWU general secretary Dave Ward said at the time his members voted in favour of the strike by 97.6 per cent in a ballot, after management “imposed” a 2 per cent pay rise on employees but “rewarded themselves with record bonuses”.

Royal Mail chief executive Simon Thompson denied the accusation that money from the company has been handed to shareholders, saying the Covid-19 “bubble has burst”.

CWU deputy general secretary Terry Pullinger said: “Our members worked miracles during the pandemic and know full well what they are worth.

“They are fighting for a no-strings, real-terms pay rise – something they are fully entitled to.

“Those managing Royal Mail Group are treating our members with contempt by imposing such a minimal amount.

“Royal Mail Group have failed to recognise the strength of feeling and have clearly lost the dressing room on pay, so they have left us with no choice but to fight.”

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi