A UNION representing postal workers has said it is hopeful of a strike-free Christmas after an agreement was reached with Royal Mail. Strikes planned for Friday (November 6) and Monday (November 9) have been cancelled after the Communication Workers Unio

A UNION representing postal workers has said it is hopeful of a strike-free Christmas after an agreement was reached with Royal Mail.

Strikes planned for Friday (November 6) and Monday (November 9) have been cancelled after the Communication Workers Union (CWU) reached an interim agreement with Royal Mail.

That agreement was unanimously agreed by the union's Postal Executive and will provide a period of calm for the CWU and Royal Mail to reach a final agreement.

The CWU said the interim agreement guarantees modernisation will be introduced with agreed job security and improved terms and conditions for postal workers.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "There needs to be exceptional efforts to improve trust and relationships between CWU and Royal Mail. As a result both TUC and ACAS will have a continuing role to keep the discussions and agreement on track."

Adam Oakes, CWU Eastern area representative added: "We want a strike-free Christmas and a strike-free New Year, but the agreement is explicit in recognising that this is dependant upon significant progress being made. The addition of an independent chair for the ongoing talks means that the level of progress will be independently measured at fortnightly intervals to ensure both parties continue to work towards the final agreement.

"So as long a final national agreement can be reached then we will be able to avoid further industrial action."

Mark Higson, managing director of Royal Mail Letters, said: "I'm delighted for our customers and our people that we've got back to a sensible agreement with the CWU that will allow us to deliver a great Christmas while getting on with vital talks about the long term future of Royal Mail.