Union and UK Royal Mail reach interim agreement

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Postal workers picketing at St Rollox Mail Centre, react to passing support on October 29, 2009 in Glasgow, Scotland. Mail center staff and drivers have begun a three-day strike after talks between Royal Mail and the Communications Workers Union failed to reach an agreement. (Jeff J. Mitchell, Getty Images)

LONDON (AP) — The union representing Britain's postal workers says it will call off strikes planned for later this week — and remain at work through the December holidays — after reaching an interim agreement with the Royal Mail.

Communication Workers' Union spokesman Dave Ward said Thursday the deal will mean "a period of calm." Company managing director Mark Higson says a "sensible agreement" has been reached that is good for customers.

Negotiations for a final deal are to take place in the coming months.

The dispute stems primarily from disagreements over the Royal Mail's plan to modernize Britain's postal service.

About 120,000 workers had planned to strike for two days this week, the third such job action in the last few weeks.

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