Minister under pressure to intervene in postal dispute

COMMUNICATIONS Minister Dermot Ahern was under pressure last night to intervene in the escalating postal dispute following a warning that it will put many small firms out of business by Christmas.

The strike will wreak havoc with postal services in the run up to Christmas with the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) threatening to suspend all services - except social welfare payments.

Balloting of the 1,700 postmasters began yesterday and the union is confident the majority of members will vote in favour of stepping up action from December 2.