An Post unions withdraw Christmas strike threat

UNIONS at An Post yesterday withdrew the threat of strike action over the Christmas period as they agreed to temporarily suspend industrial action.

Workers and management are in dispute over numerous issues, including failure to pay Sustaining Progress pay rises.

However, following Wednesday’s 24-hour stoppage by workers and their 8,000-strong march to Government buildings, the Communications Workers Union (CWU) executive agreed yesterday to meet Communications Minister Noel Dempsey.

CWU officials said they agreed to talks after ICTU general secretary David Begg sought time to raise the dispute with the Government and the National Implementation Body.

CWU general secretary Steve Fitzpatrick said it was helpful Mr Dempsey called for both sides to adopt a spirit of partnership.

“What has destroyed that partnership spirit in the past has been the repeated breaching of agreements by An Post management. What can rebuild it is a solemn joint commitment, facilitated by Minister Dempsey, that all existing and future agreements will now be honoured,” he said.

Mr Fitzpatrick said it was disappointing management had threatened to sue for damages incurred during Wednesday’s stoppage.

“It is astonishing that a company, which is reporting losses, continues to squander public money on senior counsels and management consultants,” he said.

An An Post spokesman said there was no truth in reports the company was going to sue the union and welcomed the decision to suspend industrial action.