Members of the Unite union in the UK supported 86% and 89% of Northern Ireland departures in the controversy, which involves around 2,400 executives at more than 1,000 delivery offices. Strike dates will be announced later this week, Unite said. The union’s secretary general, Sharon Graham, said it was “enough now” and that Royal Mail shareholders were “snatching profits”. He said: “It is no surprise that these workers voted overwhelmingly in favor of labor action. “Make no mistake, Royal Mail is full of cash – there is no need to lay off workers, reduce wages or continue this misguided reshuffle program. “These plans are about greed and speculation in the boardroom and have absolutely nothing to do with securing this vital public service. “The shareholders were seizing the profits of Royal Mail, while our members were holding the service together. Enough is enough. “Our Royal Mail members are guaranteed 100% Unite support in any industrial action they undertake this summer to take the company off this catastrophic path.” A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We are disappointed with the announcement that Unite members have voted in favor of both industrial and industrial action in addition to a strike, also known as work to rule. “Unite has stated that it will inform us in due time about the terms of any industrial action. “During the vote, Unite headquarters is misleading members about additional job losses. This is not true. Unite ignored our request to correct these allegations. “There is no reason for industrial action. Extensive consultation on these changes was completed at the beginning of the year and the restructuring has been completed. “We are committed to protecting the remuneration of all directors at Royal Mail, and the vast majority will see an increase in their profits.” Subscribe to the Business Email daily email or follow the Guardian Business on Twitter at @BusinessDesk The labor action is not related to the ballot paper of approximately 115,000 postal workers belonging to the Communication Workers Union (CWU). Members began voting on Tuesday on whether to launch an industrial campaign, with the result expected on July 19th. The CWU said it could be “the biggest strike” in what is emerging as a summer of discontent, as thousands of workers from various sectors are leaving to demand wages that keep pace with rising inflation.
