The threat of a postal strike is looming following the failure of talks aimed at reinstating 68 suspended workers at An Post's SDS parcel subsidiary.
The Communications Workers' Union (CWU) has given An Post until midday tomorrow to reintstate the workers or a strike would begin immediately causing widespread disruption.
The CWU also condemned An Post management for failing to resolve all outstanding industrial relations issues through the industrial relations process as called for by the Minister for Communications, Mr Dempsey.
Following today's executive meeting, CWU Deputy General Secretary, Mr Terry Delany stated "In the event that the suspended employees have not been reinstated by 12 midday tomorrow the Union will immediately prepare to give effect to our members mandate by impacting the broader postal service.
Labour Party spokesperson on Communications, Mr Tommy Broughan, has called on Mr Dempsey to make a full statement on the situation at An Post when the Dáil returns tomorrow.
Mr Broughan said "Minister Noel Dempsey's inaction has contributed to the deteriorating situation at An Post, and he must make a full explantion to the Dáil when it returns tomorrow."