Estonian Post agrees collective bargaining agreement with unions

Estonian Post (Eesti Post) signed a new collective bargaining agreement with the country’s communications industry and transport industry trade unions on Wednesday. Between them, the Estonian Communication Service Workers Trade Union (ESTAL) and the Estonian Transport and Road Workers’ Trade Union (ETTA) represent about 1,000 staff at Estonian Post.

The new deal will run for one year, following on from a two-year deal signed back in 2009.

Ahti Kallaste, the chairman of Estonian Post’s board, said the renewal of work contracts demonstrated that only through joint efforts could difficult situations be overcome.

“During intense negotiations, we discussed a variety of employment issues, including chapters of the agreement about social guarantees of employees. The aim of the cooperation of Eesti Post, ESTAL and ETTA is to achieve an agreement that satisfies all parties, in which we succeeded.”

Oie Valjas, chairman of ESTAL, said: “I welcome the fact that pay and conditions issues that require attention saw mutually satisfactory solutions following the negotiations. Particular attention was paid to the collective agreement and wage increases through collective capabilities.”