Royal Mail has accused a union of abdicating its responsibilities after a four-day notice of industrial action.
The members of the Union of Communications Workers are plan to attack on August 26, August 31, September 8, and September 9 in a dispute over wages.
Royal Mail said workers had been offered a 5.5% increase, but the union said the increase reflected a 2% pay increase, adding 1.5% in return for a change in terms and conditions as well as a £500 bonus.
The union also stressed that, with inflation hovering above 9%, the offer is not enough to help members keep up with the cost of living.
Royal Mail says that if the strikes continue, it will be at a loss for the current financial year.
It added: “This decision by the CWU is an abdication of responsibility for the long-term job security of its members.
“In more than three months of negotiations, CWU has failed to meaningfully engage in the necessary business changes.
“The negative trade impact of any strike action would only make wage increases less favorable and could put jobs at risk.
“CWU has a responsibility to recognize the reality of the situation faced by Royal Mail as a business, and urgently engage in the necessary changes.”
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Meanwhile, the CWU Scotland region secretary Craig Anderson told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland that workers were planning to go on strike because “we have no choice”.
He added: “A fair offer from our point of view is for them to sit down at the table with us and really consider where or what comes up at the moment with the cost of living crisis, where that the company is making a profit that they’ve taken and actually started negotiating for a percentage raise that reflects that.”
Royal Mail said it was ready to enter into further negotiations but it “must be about both change and pay”.
It said it has contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions.
CWU is among several unions taking strike action this summer in search of better wages for workers as the cost of living rises.
Trade unions also participate in a Payment dispute with BT.
