The next planned post office strike in the UK is set to take place between Thursday, September 8, and Friday, September 9, 2024. This industrial action is being organized by the Communication Workers Union (CWU), representing Royal Mail workers, as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions. The CWU is demanding pay increases in line with inflation, which has reached record highs, while Royal Mail has so far offered a raise of up to 5.5%. This offer has been deemed insufficient by the union, as inflation rates are significantly higher, creating a pay cut in real terms.

During the strike, postal services will be severely impacted. Royal Mail has announced that it will only be able to deliver a limited range of services, including special deliveries, Tracked 24 parcels, COVID-19 test kits, and medical prescriptions. Regular letter deliveries and most other services will be paused, and some post offices may be closed during this period. Customers relying on postal services should plan ahead, especially if they need to send time-sensitive items such as legal documents or perishable goods.

The strike follows a series of walkouts throughout 2024, part of a broader trend of industrial action across various sectors in the UK, as workers push for better wages and working conditions amidst rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. The postal sector, in particular, has been hit hard by these strikes, as Royal Mail continues to negotiate with unions like the CWU and Unite. Although talks are ongoing, no resolution has yet been reached, and the possibility of further disruptions in the coming months remains.

For individuals and businesses, it is advisable to seek alternative methods for sending important documents during the strike. While some services will still operate, delays are expected, and delivery timelines may be unpredictable.