An Post disruption expected despite compromise

Postal customers were facing disruption from industrial action today, despite the emergence of a compromise deal between An Post and unions.

The nationwide industrial action by 8,500 postal workers began at midnight but is expected to be postponed later today for a week after a meeting of the Communications Workers Union’s national executive.

An Post has said that customers may face some disruption due to the temporary industrial action.

Both sides are due for further talks at the National Implementation Body (NIB), while independent financial experts assess the cost of work practice changes involved in the dispute.

The NIB said that it had recommended that the industrial action – which involved a nationwide ban on overtime working and all-out strike action at the GPO in Dublin – should be deferred until the costing is completed in a week’s time.

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) said it expected the deal to be approved at an emergency meeting of its 12-member national executive in Dublin today.

The CWU has accused An Post of failing to pay cost-of-living increases to workers and pensioners under the Sustaining Progress national agreement. In July, the Labour Court recommended payment but only if workers agree to productivity changes.

The CWU then proposed a number of amendments but An Post had disputed the cost of these work practice changes, with its estimates ranging from €20m to €34m.

In its statement, the NIB said it believed the clarification of the cost and implications of these amendments was essential if the dispute was to be resolved.

The team of accountants appointed by the NIB to examine the costs will report back by November 14.

An Post said it was relieved at the outcome of the talks and that it would be in touch with the CWU in an effort to minimise the impact on customers tomorrow.

An Post has told customers it will not be possible to guarantee any mail services in or out of the country due to the planned strike.