ROYAL MAIL: THE RIVALS
ADAM CROZIER
ROYAL MAIL CHIEF EXEC
Once head of the Football Association, Crozier is used to running much-loved British institutions. But the country is fast falling out of love with Royal Mail. The rise of the internet and the mobile phone means businesses and households alike are deserting the service. Crozier has been stuck between a rock and a hard place; forced to go on a massive drive to modernise after Lord Mandelson shelved plans for part-privatisation, Crozier has irked staff who don’t want job cuts, pay cuts, or changes in working practices.
BILLY HAYES
CWU GENERAL SECRETARY
The union leader, who this weekend claimed he was stronger than Arthur Scargill during the height of the miners’ strikes, is leading members in a national walkout. Initially outraged over modernisation worries, the CWU is now up in arms over the hiring of up to 30,000 temporary workers who will help with deliveries during the industrial action. Fears are growing that anger will escalate into violence. The CWUwas in last ditch talks with Royal Mail last night but wants Acas to mediate in the talks.
PETER BAKKER
TNT BOSS
Dutch-owned mail group TNT, headed up by Peter Bakker, has said it would launch a rival service to Royal Mail if it could make it financially viable. But TNT, along with other rival operators like Deutsche Post and Business Post, is prevented from opening such a service because it could not make it profitable. Royal Mail is exempt from paying value added tax – which competitors say gives it an unfair advantage. TNT has taken the issue to the European Court of Justice, and is waiting on a decision.