Centre unrest may be behind delays

INDUSTRIAL unrest at a mail sorting centre in Cork could be one of the reasons behind delays in postal deliveries in Kerry, it emerged yesterday.

An Post spokeswoman Anna McHugh said the service was “trying to operate in an environment of quiet, strong, non-cooperation” at the Cork Mail Centre, where daily sick leave was estimated at 10%.

The Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) is balloting its members for countrywide strike action in An Post.

Since the end of August, all mail posted in Kerry, Tipperary, Limerick and Waterford is being sent to Cork for sorting and later brought back to the counties of origin for delivery.

Ms McHugh told the Irish Examiner there had been some settling-in difficulties with the system.

In fairness, she stated, postal staff were working extremely hard even if there was a level of non-cooperation in some quarters.

“We’re having some sporadic issues where mail arrives into Kerry too late in the morning for delivery on the same morning. This is not a daily occurrence but, when it does happen, the mail is always delivered the following day.”

Ms McHugh said centralising sorting in Cork saved costs as previous localised sorting operated on an over-time system.

“It will also prove to be more efficient operationally when there’s a full spirit of co-operation,” she added.

“This is the final piece of an automation plan, due to come into effect in 2002 but only implemented after coming before the Labour Court.”