Postal workers march over sell-off

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The Communication Workers Union staged a march and demonstration in Wolverhampton, whose MP Pat McFadden is involved in taking forward plans announced by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson for a partial sale of the postal group.

General secretary Billy Hayes said: "This march is an important demonstration of our determination to keep Royal Mail in the public sector."

He added: "The Government must listen to the concerns of the public, the Labour Party and those who work in the postal sector. There is no need for damaging privatisation to modernise Royal Mail."

Deputy general secretary Dave Ward added: "Privatisation by instalment is privatisation by any other name. We would have liked to have marched in Lord Mandelson's constituency, but, unfortunately, he hasn't got one."

More than 140 Labour MPs have signed a Commons motion opposing the sell off, threatening Gordon Brown with the biggest rebellion since he became Prime Minister.

Postal Affairs Minster Pat McFadden said: With falling mail volumes and a rising pension deficit, Royal Mail is facing a serious situation and has to change.

"The Government has a responsibility to face up to that because the postal service is important to the country.

"We have set out a plan that will preserve the one-price-goes-anywhere six-day-a-week universal postal service and will guarantee pension security for hard working Royal Mail staff.

"If we don't act, the universal service is under threat and Royal Mail is unlikely to have enough cash to meet its pension obligations."