Postal strike threat intensifies as talks fail

The prospect of nationwide postal chaos intensified today after negotiations to avert planned strike action ended without a breakthrough.

An Post management held fresh talks with Communications Workers Union representatives in a bid to settle the dispute over pay.

Attempts to reach a compromise came after a ban on overtime and the shut down of selected mail centres was announced last night.

The strike, which will affect Dublin’s GPO and other as-yet unnamed offices, is to begin on Monday.

With major postal backlogs feared, both sides returned to the table today to discuss pay rises that the unions claim are due to staff under a national wage agreement.

But An Post later confirmed the talks had been adjourned indefinitely, with no immediate plans for a resumption.

A spokeswoman said the company was disappointed and stressed changes in work practices must be brought in before increased wages can be paid.

The company also warned of a serious and immediate risk to postal services, urging all customers not to send mail until further notice.

CWU National Officer Sean McDonagh accused An Post management intransigence for the stand-off.