Post office strike halts welfare payments

THOUSANDS of people were unable to collect social welfare payments yesterday after lightening strikes closed over two dozen post offices nationwide.

Further disruption is likely today as the Communications Workers Union (CWU) steps up its protest against plans by An Post to subcontract work at 28 offices nationwide.

Centres in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Mayo and Monaghan did not open after clerical staff failed to turn up for work yesterday. An estimated 6,000 people awaiting social welfare were affected.