The result, which saw a majority of 1,647 Communication Workers Union members register their opposition to nationwide industrial action, marked a significant victory for Royal Mail and its management team, led by chairman Allan Leighton and chief executive Adam Crozier.
The victory for Royal Mail is likely to mean the company proceeds with a brand campaign next month, created by Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, showing its staff's commitment to serving its customers.
A separate campaign for the Post Office, scheduled for January, will also now go ahead, having been earmarked for postponement in the event of a strike.
David Robottom, director of postal affairs and industry development at the Direct Marketing Association, hailed the result as "a vote for the future of our industry".
"We are glad our extensive lobbying efforts with both Royal Mail and the CWU have been rewarded," he said.
But Robottom warned that with a separate vote by London workers relating to weighting allowances in the capital going against Royal Mail, there remained the need for "caution".
The national result was welcomed by advertisers, which had faced severe disruption to DM activity.
"This is a victory for common sense, and shows Royal Mail workers support the reforms the company's management is putting in place," said a source at one of the UK's biggest direct mail advertisers.
The strike ballot was called by the CWU because of sweeping reforms linked to a new pay deal being introduced to Royal Mail working practices. Among the changes planned is the axeing of about 30,000 posts.
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