An Post calls for stamp price rise

An Post today called for an increase in stamp rates and transaction tariffs to ensure the survival of the loss-making company.

The firm’s management team was grilled by the Oireachtas Communications Committee members for over three hours this afternoon.

Donal Curtin, chief executive since mid-2003, said viability for the troubled State company could be achieved with extra revenue and union agreement to rationalise divisions.

He called for an increase on the current stamp price of 40c and for a rise in the tariff levied on social welfare transactions and bill payments.

“We must embrace change and accept the commercial reality of the competitive environment we work in,” he said.

An expert panel is currently trying to broker a solution between An Post management and unions in the bitter closure of parcel subsidiary, SDS.

If a deal isn’t reached by May on up to 80 disputed issues including 1,400 job cuts, the Labour Court will intervene and make a ruling.

Staff opposition to the SDS shutdown led to 60 staff being suspended last month amid a threatened national postal strike.