POSTAL workers have started strike action for better pay amid the rising impact of the cost of living crisis.

Workers from the Communication Workers Union have come out on strike today saying a potential 2 per cent pay rise would result in a massive struggle, with inflation at around 10 per cent.

The union says that Royal Mail bosses have mandated the pay rise but have complained that a large portion of profits is going to shareholders.

The Argus: Workers have come out on strike after a 2% pay rise from Royal Mail was rejectedWorkers have come out on strike after a 2% pay rise from Royal Mail was rejected

Tom Bancroft, Branch Young Worker for the South Downs CWU, said: “I think it's clear that the public mood is pretty desperate.

“Workers need to bargain for a better level of pay to attempt to keep up with inflation.”

Postal workers have agreed to strike on Friday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 31, as well as two days in September.

A spokesman for the CWU said that as many as 95 per cent of workers had voted for strike action.

Postal worker Jay, who was at the picket line in North Road, Brighton, said that the pay rise was “nowhere near adequate” and that he was “not happy with it”.

Another worker, 36-year-old Jake, said: “Inflation is at 10 per cent and going higher and this makes it so hard to make a living.”

The postal strikes have come at a time when a number of other unions are taking industrial action including the RMT train workers union.

The strikes have been called as the cost of living crisis continues particularly hit lower income families being hit by rising rental and energy costs.

The Argus: Workers have been protesting at the picket at North RoadWorkers have been protesting at the picket at North Road

In a statement, Royal Mail said: “Their plans to transform Royal Mail come with a £1 billion price tag, are predicated on a wholly unrealistic revival in letter writing, and prevent Royal Mail from growing, and remaining competitive, in a fast-moving industry.

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

“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.”