An Post resumes talks with union on cost-cutting drive
Talks to iron out difficulties between management at An Post and workers represented by the Communications Workers’ Union resume today at the Labour Relations Court.
An Post is seeking almost 1,800 jobs cuts among its 10,000 workforce and major changes in work practices to save 25m a year.
The firm posted operating losses of 47m for 2003 and current year losses are set to exceed 40m after implementation of non-pay cost-cutting measures. Talks at the LRC were due to finish in May but failed to reach a conclusion, and the two sides have been on a break since the end of July.
A spokesman for An Post said some progress had been made, while stumbling blocks are being put on hold for a decision by the Labour Court towards the end of the negotiations.
An Post wants to raise the cost of basic postage stamps from 48c to 55c, but must show it has introduced efficiencies to convince the communications regulator to sanction the rise.
An Post wants a staff cut of 1,800, and says it can be done via voluntary redundancy and early retirement.
Business association ISME claimed An Post’s application for an increase in stamp prices meant customers were being punished for An Post incompetence.
Fine Gael Communications spokesman Simon Coveney said An Post was relying on consumers to bail it out with the increase.
