Oldham Royal Mail workers have gone on strike today as the dispute over pay continues and a major cost-of-living demonstration comes to Manchester city centre.

Oldham delivery office workers joined the picket line this morning as part of a nationwide 48-hour strike over pay and conditions.

Royal Mail staff across the country walked out yesterday (Friday, September 30) and today as a dispute over pay between The Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail bosses made little progress on Thursday (September 29).

The CWU has warned more strikes lay ahead this winter with 19 days of action scheduled in the run-up to Christmas and during peak mail periods such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

However, the strike today coincides with the nationwide rally on the cost-of-living crisis brought by the campaign group, Enough Is Enough.

The group has set up the rally to campaign for better living standards, including better pay, better working conditions and job security, and is demanding action on the cost-of-living crisis. 

The demonstration is due to take place from 12pm in Manchester Piccadilly Gardens and is set to include speeches from trade union representatives.

Oldham posties are expected to join the rally in the city centre, according to the North West Enough Is Enough branch, and were seen with banners early this morning.

The campaign group said on Twitter: “Oldham Posties out this morning – braving the rain to let Royal Mail know that Enough Is Enough.

“Solidarity guys, see you at the rally later”.

CWU general secretary, Dave Ward, said the festive period of strike action is a "significant announcement" but claimed the chief executive of Royal Mail Group "is treating postal workers as if they are stupid".

He added: “Postal workers across the UK now face the fight of their lives to save their jobs and the service they provide to every household and business in the UK.

“We call on everyone to stand with their local postal worker.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said it is losing £1 million a day from the strikes and called the 19 days of industrial action "reckless".

The spokesman added: "Our invitation to enter into talks through Acas remain open."