British Royal Mail workers around the country started the first of two 48-hour strikes on Thursday in a protest over jobs, pay and pensions.

After last-minute talks between Royal Mail managers and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) failed to reach a deal, the strike began at noon on the day.

A second two-day strike by the CWU's 130,000 members is scheduled to begin next Monday.

Royal Mail warned customers that the two walkouts mean there will be no deliveries until next Thursday, and a severe disruption to all postal services for a significant period afterwards.

During the strike action over the summer, Royal Mail's management told the unions that they could not improve their pay offer because there was no more money on the table.

At the center of the dispute is the CWU's objection to the Royal Mail's 2.5 percent offer and modernization plans, which it says will put about 40,000 jobs at risk.

Royal Mail said modernization was the only option because of increased competition.

It is concerned that the strikes will lead to a further loss of business and adds to its financial losses. It is estimated that the two strikes will cost industry millions of pounds.
 
(Xinhua News Agency October 5, 2007)