An Post union to ballot members on strike action

The Communications Workers' Union (CWU) is to ballot its members on strike action at An Post over what it claims is the management's refusal to pay workers outstanding cost-of-living pay increases.

This follows the union's rejection - four weeks ago - of Labour Court proposals which sought to link the increases to proposed changes in the company's collection and delivery system which the management is seeking.

The union claimed that most of the change was being demanded from just one section of the workers and that this was "divisive". The result of the ballot is expected in two weeks.

An Post today warned that strike action would "jeopardise" the future of the company and its staff.

The company described the union's decision as "utterly irresponsible" and one that showed complete disrespect for those institutions of the State involved in dispute resolution.

In a statement it said: "Time and time again, An Post has made clear its intention to pay the full terms of Sustaining Progress to all employees provided that part of the €60 million annual cost of paying the national wage agreement can be recouped through the elimination of outdated, inflexible, overtime-ridden, restrictive practices which have a stranglehold on mail collection and delivery operations in An Post.

Earlier CWU General Secretary Steve Fitzpatrick said: "Under those proposals members are being asked collectively to vote to remove certain pay elements and conditions of employment of a targeted group of their colleagues.

"We find it extremely disappointing, but not surprising, that since the rejection of the Labour Court findings, despite our best efforts, An Post management has made no attempt to make use of the mandatory 'cooling off period' to resolve the dispute.

"In circumstances where the company was quite clear about our position and the next steps we would inevitably have to take, one would be forgiven for coming to the conclusion that conflict is the preferred outcome for the belligerent management," he said.

An Post posted an operating profit of €1.7 million for 2004. The company's finances have been boosted by once-off gains from the sale of two mobile top-up companies for about €80 million earlier this year.