Irish An Post problems continue

The Irish postal dispute has taken another twist, with the Communications Workers Union objecting to An Post’s decision to hire 200 casual workers to clear a backlog caused by recent staff suspensions. The dispute appeared to have been resolved when both sides agreed to resume talks last week. An Post subsequently reinstated all suspended workers at its Dublin mail centre and said it was planning to hire 200 more temporary staff to clear the backlog caused by the suspensions. However, the CWU has claimed this breaches existing agreements stipulating that any casual or temporary staff must be hired for a minimum of seven months, except over the Christmas period. The two sides are due to meet this morning to discuss the matter.