The union issued an update to members on Friday (17 March), after the BEIS select committee of MPs referred Royal Mail to Ofcom over failings in meeting its Universal Service Obligations.

The statement from general secretary Dave Ward and Andy Furey, acting deputy general secretary (postal), described the current situation as “untenable”, and said postal workers were under huge pressure in the workplace “both because of unachievable revisions and the continued targeting of CWU members and representatives”.

The duo stated: “With these huge issues in the background the negotiations have been extremely difficult. We are discussing pay, change and the very future of the company. There is enough in the talks to warrant continuing them. What we must now do is bring them to a conclusion – one way or the other.”

Ward and Furey said that work had continued over the weekend to analyse the key differences between the two parties, and the union planned to put forward “a clear view to the company on how we resolve them”.

“Board level negotiations will continue next week and both parties recognise we are at a crunch point.

“We want to reach an agreement and we are committed to ending their mantra that is destroying the livelihoods of postal workers and the service to the public. Next week will be critical to the outcome of this dispute.”

This morning, a Royal Mail spokesperson told Printweek: “These are complex and at times difficult talks. But the situation is serious, and it is important for all involved that any deal agreed is the right deal. 

“We have put forward a series of pay for change proposals designed to stabilise the business, and set Royal Mail on the path to being competitive again. We are awaiting a response from CWU. They have committed to come back to us in the coming days.”

A series of CWU briefings will take place this week for CWU representatives and members.