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Royal Mail’s universal service obligation is a lifeline for rural Scotland and beyond
The fight to protect the very principles of the USO goes beyond postal workers alone, argues CRAIG ANDERSON
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ROYAL MAIL’s universal service obligation (USO) is not just a stamp on an envelope — it’s a lifeline for millions, especially in Scotland’s rural communities.
Proposals outlined recently by the watchdog Ofcom threaten to weaken and dismantle this vital service in a move which will isolate and disadvantage rural communities across Scotland. We ignore this genuine danger at our peril. The changes threaten the very social fabric of Scottish communities, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, which are heavily reliant on an effective and functioning postal service that is protected in law by the USO.
At its core, the USO guarantees six-day-a-week letter delivery, affordable postage, and one-price-goes-anywhere delivery across the country. This service is crucial for residents and businesses who rely on it for essential communications, from healthcare appointments to business transactions and social connections. In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, for many, the post remains the only reliable and accessible way to stay connected.
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Royal Mail’s job quality has plummeted, with gruelling hours, two-tier pay, intense surveillance, and poor work-life balance for postal workers — but our union is fighting back, writes CWU branch secretary JOHN CARSON
