An Post urges unions back to talks

AN POST last night urged the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) to return to the negotiating table 48 hours before notice of industrial action by postal staff is due to expire.

The union wants payment of the 3% national pay deal under Sustaining Progress which was due in November. TAn Post posted an operating loss of €47 million for 2003 and current year losses are expected to exceed €40m after implementation of non-pay cost-cutting measures.

Just before Christmas negotiations between the parties broke down when CWU representatives left talks on the company’s far-reaching strategic plan.