The union, which represents 115,000 Royal Mail post workers, has launched a vote that could lead to strikes in a fierce dispute over wages and jobs.
The CWU, which is also involved in wage disputes in BT and the post office amid widespread trade union struggle for awards in line with rising inflation, is sending ballots after rejecting the company’s offer.
Its general secretary, Dave Ward, told Sky News he expected a “very big yes” due to the company’s record profits and a £ 400 million payment to shareholders.
“At the same time as the CEO and the board have decided to impose a 2% pay rise on workers, they are receiving bonuses of around £ 140,000.
“For any level of equity, this is completely unacceptable.”
He defended the union’s goal for an agreement that would protect its members from the crisis of the cost of living.
Inflation, currently at 9.1%, is expected to exceed 11% in October, according to the latest forecast from the Bank of England.
The result of the vote will be known before July 19.
“Right now, depending on where we are, we will make a decision on whether we should take industrial action, and if there has been no movement, that is exactly what we will recommend,” Pullinger added.
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2:22 Last week: the head of Royal Mail in paid conversations
Royal Mail boss Simon Thompson told Sky News earlier this month how he had offered a 5.5% pay rise and aired – unconditionally – a 2% increase to help his workers overcome the cost-of-living crisis as talks with the CWU continued.
He suggested that the remaining 3.5% on the table was conditional on the union accepting the need to modernize the company, as it aims to become a package-focused business due to the gradual decline in letter volume. .
It is also understood that the company has offered a new bonus “above and beyond”.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We believe there is no reason for industrial action. We offered a deal worth up to 5.5% for fellow CWU graduates, the largest increase we have offered for many years, which was rejected by the CWU.
“We need to reach agreement on the changes needed to ensure that Royal Mail can grow and remain competitive in a fast-moving industry, ensuring jobs for the future and retaining our place as an industry leader in terms. and conditions “.