Industrial action like the Royal Mail strike is sometimes necessary to ensure the security of worker rights. Despite this, strikes can be hugely inconvenient to the general public that relies heavily on these services. At times like these, you’ll want to stay updated on all important strike information so that you can adjust your journey accordingly. 

In this blog post, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the Royal Mail strike in 2023. 

What is the Royal Mail strike about?

The strike is mainly about job security, pay, and working conditions. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has been campaigning for job security for postal workers. They demand a reduction in the use of casual staff and agency workers. The union also wants the company to provide a better pay offer. This includes a 10% increase in wages, as well as improvements to pensions and working hours.

The Royal Mail, on the other hand, has said that it has offered a fair deal to its workers. This comprises a pay rise of 2.7% in the first year and then a further increase of 2.7% in the second year, which is above inflation. It has also said that it is working to create a more flexible workforce, enabling it to respond to changes in demand more quickly.

people protesting

How long has the Royal Mail strike been happening?

The strikes have been taking place on and off since late 2019. During the strikes, postal workers have been refusing to deliver mail, causing disruption to mail services across the country. This can be frustrating for people who are looking for quick correspondence, especially in cases that are urgent. 

Fortunately, Duty Refunds can help in cases like this. At Duty Refunds, we help shoppers who have returned an international purchase but are waiting to get customs duty and tax back on their shopping returns. Instead of sending mail back and forth to HMRC, all you have to do is initiate a claim with Duty Refunds and get your money back in 4 weeks! 

how the refund process works

What dates are the Royal Mail strikes?

The Royal Mail strike last happened on February 16, 2023. No strikes are happening right now or in the near future, however, this may change.

What impact has the Royal Mail strike had?

The strikes have significantly impacted mail services across the UK, with some areas experiencing delays of up to a week in receiving their mail. Royal Mail has said that it is continuously working to minimise the impact of the strikes, however, when a strike does take place, delays are inevitable. 

Royal Mail box

What happens next?

It is unclear what will happen next in the dispute between the Royal Mail and the CWU. The CWU says it is willing to continue negotiations. However, it has warned that further strikes may be necessary if they are unable to find a resolution. Meanwhile, the Royal Mail claims it is committed to finding a solution to the dispute but has not indicated when this might happen.

The uncertainty around the Royal Mail strike can be an inconvenience, but services like Duty Refunds act as a good alternative to constantly mailing and waiting for a response. So the next time you need duty and tax back on your shopping returns, simply initiate your claim with Duty Refunds and let us handle the rest.