Postal workers shelve Dáil protest march plans

Postal workers who planned to march on the Dáil have shelved their protest to allow time for further talks with government, it was announced today.

Postmasters from across the country were to take to the streets of the capital on Tuesday to protest at what they say is the crisis facing the Irish post office network.

The Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) had also planned to field candidates in the general election after claims that more than 300 postmasters have left the business over the last two years, with a similar number of offices set to close in the absence of intervention by An Post and the Government.

But today union leaders suspended their protests saying a new set of proposals was under discussion.

A statement read: “The union would be hopeful that agreement can now be finalised with An Post around the provision of premises by Postmasters throughout the country for which they are currently being under compensated for and also, the creation of a suitable severance package for Postmasters who can no longer survive the environment of a rising cost base and falling revenue streams.”

The union also said the issue of pay levels will now be the subject of a review.

IPU spokesman John Kane said: “There is a need for the gravity of the situation to be recognised as local Post Offices are literally closing on a weekly basis.

“Proper structures need to be put in place to maintain this crucial social infrastructure for communities nationwide and to ensure the livelihoods of our members into the future.

“We would be hopeful that agreement can now be reached and will be subject to approval by our members nationwide.”