Postal workers’ union loses appeal against injunction blocking potential strikes

The union representing postal workers has lost an appeal against a High Court injunction blocking potential strikes by its members.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) attempted to overturn an injunction granted to Royal Mail to block potential strikes related to a dispute over job security and employment terms.

Royal Mail had claimed that the vote for industrial action – supported by 97% on a 76% turnout – was invalid because members had been encouraged to open their voting papers at work before they were delivered to their homes.

The Court of Appeal dismissed the CWU’s appeal on Thursday afternoon, ruling that “the conduct of the union… had the effect of amounting to interference” with the voting process.

Lord Justice Males, sitting with Lady Justice Simler and Sir Patrick Elias, said that “the union did not intend to do anything unlawful”, but ruled that the ballot was nonetheless invalid.

The judge added that the court would give its full reasons for its decision at a later date.