eBay have published a note in national newspapers imploring the CWU and Royal Mail to strike a deal and break the impasse which is damaging small businesses across the UK. The note which we reproduce below was jointly signed by
- Murray Lambell, VP & General Manager, eBay UK
- Michelle Ovens, Founder, Small Business Britain
- Martin McTague, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses
eBay strike a deal and break the impasse note
The UK is one of the most advanced e-commerce markets in the world. Small businesses in particular have started and scaled their retail operations thanks to a sophisticated online economy which gives shoppers what they need, when they need it.
But right now in the midst of peak trading the ongoing postal strikes are causing further enormous damage to these businesses, who rely on an efficient mail service for so much of their trade. These strikes are delivering a body blow to UK small businesses, many of whom are already fighting to survive.
While we understand and respect the perspectives on both sides, more must be done to support small businesses caught in the crosshairs, and especially as these strikes are taking place during the most important trading period of the year.
For our part, we as organisations who represent the interests of small businesses, are doing everything we can to support online sellers through the peak trading season. But the most important thing right now is to keep Britain trading.
We implore Royal Mail and the Communications Workers Union to find a way through the impasse to agree a deal.
So many small businesses depend on Royal Mail and its dedicated workforce. Let’s not let them down.
Murray Lambell also wrote in City AM pointing out that the strikes will crush retail and small businesses again calling for the two sides to strike a deal. Murray bluntly pointed out that cost of living crisis will be made significantly worse for many by the postal strikes and their crushing effect on small businesses.
Royal Mail have tabled a take it or leave it final offer but the CWU say Posties will still walk out, as part of the longstanding dispute that has recently seen workers take a unanimous no confidence vote in company CEO Simon Thompson at thousands of workplace gate meetings this week.
The latest demands by the CWU in order to strike a deal are:
- An improved 18 month pay deal including back pay for all workers;
- A guarantee of no compulsory redundancies;
- The restoration of previously agreed processes for voluntary redundancies;
- A joint review of all agreements and the relationship between the CWU and Royal Mail Group;
- Re-establishing the right of CWU reps to be fully involved and able to negotiate on local revisions;
- An alternative business strategy that would see Royal Mail Group use its competitive advantage to grow as a company, instead of becoming a gig economy parcel employer.
eBay are working with alternative delivery services, have removed Royal Mail as the first choice of shipping option and putting protections in place for sellers to ensure they accounts aren’t devastated by the impact of late deliveries.
