Further postal strikes threatened

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Leaders of the Communication Workers Union and bosses from Royal Mail spent the weekend considering a series of proposals drawn-up during marathon talks last week chaired by TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

The backlog of mail caused by three days of strikes last week is estimated to have grown to between 50 and 60 million.

The two sides clashed on support for the latest walkout when the union said there was overwhelming backing from 77,000 delivery and collection staff on Saturday while the Royal Mail claimed that 25% of delivery workers had turned up for duty.

The union and the Royal Mail have blamed each other for a series of breakdowns in negotiations in recent weeks which have led to two waves of strikes.

The union has announced that two further 24 hour national walkouts will be held next Friday, November 6 and the following Monday November 9 involving all of its 121,000 postal members unless there is a deal in the next few days.

The union's general secretary Billy Hayes said the CWU remained focussed on reaching an agreement this week.

The Royal Mail had condemned the union for announcing fresh strikes warning it would distract from the peace efforts.

Meanwhile the union was still considering whether to take legal action against the Royal Mail over the recruitment of 30,000 agency workers to deal with the backlog of mail caused by the strikes as well as the Christmas rush.