Royal Mail PLC (LSE:RMG) is facing the real prospect of a strike by more than 115,000 of its workers, who are unhappy with a 2% pay rise.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) will start to ballot its members next week over potential industrial action, with results expected on 19 July.
As a requested “straight, no strings pay increase” to cope with soaring costs of living has not been received the union served notice today.
Last week Royal Mail told the union that it intended to hike pay by 2%, against a backdrop of UK retail price inflation closing in on 10%.
CWU deputy general secretary Terry Pullinger said: “Throughout this entire dispute, Royal Mail management have conducted themselves insultingly and disrespectfully to key workers.
“Their conduct, and particularly the imposition of such an aggressive pay offer, has eroded trust among loyal employees."
CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “Our members have been treated in a completely undignified manner by the people they make incredible profits for.
“Our members kept this country connected throughout our country’s greatest crisis since World War Two, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“Now, they are being told there’s nothing for them, and they have to accept having less while the mega profits of bosses come first."