POSTAL workers were out on strike in Basingstoke on Friday as part of a nationwide industrial action over pay.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) – staff of both Royal Mail and Parcelforce – are on strike, and will also be picketing on Wednesday, August 31, Thursday, September 8 and Friday, September 9.

Around 115,000 postmen and women from all parts of the UK are going on strike, as well as around 2,000 Crown Office, Supply Chain and Admin grades workers.

READ MORE: Post Office workers to stage fresh strikes over pay

In Basingstoke, more than 50 people protested at the Royal Mail’s depot in Priestly Road, while around 20 workers protested at the Parcelforce depot on Grafton Way near Leisure Park.

One of the protesters at Leisure Park depot said the strike was a success.

She said: “There were well over 50 people at the Royal Mail depot. Ours is not as big as the Priestly Road depot. We had around 20 people here. We will continue going forward with the strike on Wednesday (August 31) as well.”

The pay dispute has led CWU to call for industrial action, with the pay bump dismissed as "insulting" by members, especially considering current inflation rates and the fact the Post Office made £39 million in profit in 2021/22.

Royal Mail claim that CWU’s vision "would create a vicious spiral of falling volumes, higher prices, bigger losses, and fewer jobs".

"We want to protect well-paid, permanent jobs long-term and retain our place as the industry leader on pay, terms and conditions," they said.

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"We apologise to our customers, and the public for the inconvenience the CWU’s strike action will cause.

"We have offered to meet the CWU numerous times in recent weeks, but they declined each invitation, preferring to spend their time on the political agenda of the UK trade union movement."