STRIKE action planned by Royal Mail workers on September 9 has been postponed out of respect for the Queen who passed away on Thursday, September 8.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said 115,000 of its members had planned to walk out in protest for 48 hours against an “imposed” 2 per cent pay rise.

This follows similar strikes last week which saw a disruption to deliveries.

READ MORE: LIVE UPDATES: The Queen dies aged 96 – Reaction in Oxfordshire

However, following the news of the death of Her Majesty at Balmoral, the union has decided to call off the strikes.

In a statement only, the CWU said: “Following the very sad news of the passing of the Queen and out of respect for her service to the country and her family, the union has decided to call off tomorrows planned strike action.”

Members are now planning to strike on September 30 and October 1 instead.

In a statement online, the Royal Mail has said: “We’re sorry for the disruption this is likely to cause you. We’re doing what we can to keep services running, but customers should expect significant disruption.

“Royal Mail has well-developed contingency plans, but they cannot fully replace the daily efforts of its frontline workforce. We will be doing what we can to keep services running, but customers should expect significant disruption.”

It has advised customers that it will try to deliver as many “special delivery and tracked24” parcels as possible as well as prioritising the delivery of covid test kits and medical prescriptions.

READ MORE: A look back at the Queen's visits to Oxfordshire

Letters will not be delivered except for special delivery post. It has advised customers to post items as early as possible.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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