Union bosses have warned that the ‘Czech Sphinx’ could press ahead with plans to cut up to 1,000 postal jobs if it succeeds in its bid to buy Royal Mail.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) will hold talks with billionaire businessman Daniel Kretinsky in early June if a deal is reached.
Kretinsky has until 5pm on Wednesday to make a firm offer for Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services (IDS) or withdraw.
It comes after the IDS board said it would back its £3.5bn bid, sparking an immediate reaction from activists, unions and politicians.
CWU postmaster general Martin Walsh told the Mail: ‘We are skeptical of Royal Mail and we are skeptical of Kretinsky’s company. We will seek commitments on employment.’
Deadline: Daniel Kretinsky (pictured) has until 5pm on Wednesday to make a firm offer for Royal Mail owner IDS
It comes as Kretinsky, the billionaire co-owner of West Ham United football club, has backed Royal Mail reform proposals which would lead to “fewer than 1,000” voluntary redundancies.
These plans include reducing the second class position to three days a week, paving the way for redundancies that will save around £300 million a year.
Kretinsky has said it would protect workers’ rights and maintain the Royal Mail brand, as well as its base and tax residence in the UK.
But he has remained silent on job losses and second-class positions, suggesting cuts remain on the agenda.
Royal Mail wants to scrap second-class deliveries on Saturdays and reduce them to every other weekday to save money.
Under those plans, there would be up to 9,000 fewer daily routes in two years, resulting in hundreds of job losses.
The proposals would require a reform of the Universal Service Obligation, meaning Royal Mail has to offer a service six days a week for a fixed price.
IDS has urged the government and regulators to make changes, saying the obligation costs Royal Mail up to £675 million a year.
Last week, Royal Mail revealed it lost almost £1m a day last year when Ofcom launched an investigation into missed postal targets.
