Royal Mail too confrontational over postal strikes, says ex-boss

The former Royal Mail CEO has criticized the current management’s ‘confrontational’ approach to the labor dispute with postal workers.

Rico Back, who was in charge from 2018 to 2020, told The Sunday Times the board had wasted time and “didn’t execute well.”

Back said boss Simon Thompson’s lack of experience, both in the industry and as a leader of a major company, was a “toxic mixture.”

Royal Mail has been involved in a dispute with the Communication Workers Union (CWU), resulting in a series of strikes over Christmas.

The company, which is losing £1m a day amid a decline in letters and competition in the parcel sector, is seeking changes in working practices that the CWU is opposed to. The union also rejected Royal Mail’s wage offers.

Back said: ‘Posties understand the need to change, but it has to be done in a social, friendly way. The board has missed this opportunity and has gone on a more confrontational path, which is not necessary.

“Besides, the CEO has never managed a large company and has no knowledge of logistics … a toxic mixture.”

Left back after less than two years amid controversy over his £6 million ‘golden hello’ – and his decision to stay in Switzerland as Royal Mail boss.

Thompson, who has been criticized by unions, was chief product officer at online grocer Ocado and held positions at Morrisons and HSBC.