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Union postal workers in the UK vote to become an “additional emergency service”

Innovative response

Members of the UK Communication Workers Union (CWU) who are workers in the Royal Mail postal service, have voted to put themselves as an "additional emergency service". In an internal ballot, they voted for this measure due to their transferrable skills, with the possibility of them undertaking tasks including delivering medical aid, checking on the vulnerable, and supporting people working from home.

Specific issues addressed and anticipated impact

Pressure on government services and resources are extremely high. Given the potential skillset of these workers, they realised and self-organised to propose that they undertake various important tasks in the fight against coronavirus.

Organisations/institutions involved

Royal Mail; Communication Workers Union

Level(s) of government:
  • National/Federal government
  • Non-Profit/Civil Society

Issues being addressed:

  • Resource management and mobilisation
  • Public service delivery under new circumstances

Date Submitted:

20 March 2020