An Post row over CWU letter on SDS closure

AN Post management has sharply criticised a letter sent by the Communication Workers Union to customers of its package and courier division SDS, which attacked the closure of the subsidiary.

In the attack, the CWU said it wanted to highlight the “scandalous disregard shown by management at the company for the interests of its customers as well as workers and the service.”

The row comes at a time when deteriorating industrial relations at the postal services has hampered plans for a massive restructuring, which would cut the workforce by 1,400 and slash the 35m overtime bill.

The CWU letter, sent last Friday, claimed by closing SDS, “An Post is imposing a massive increase in cost on small business by stealth.”

The letter by CWU general secretary Steve Fitzpatrick told customers: “Let me tell you that the manner in which the decision was arrived at and communicated to both you and our members was deliberately designed to eliminate any possibility of prior consultation.” Mr Fitzpatrick told customers: “I urge you, through your representative organisations and your local political representatives to raise your own distinct concerns and opposition to this decision.”

In response, a spokesman for An Post said: “The letter is a calculated attempt to undermine the authority of the An Post board.

“It questions the basis on which the board made its closure decision, and can only worsen the difficulties now being experienced by SDS in a highly competitive market.”

He added the CWU brought the SDS closure issue to the National Implementation Body on the basis that it would reverse the decision of the An Post board to close SDS.

He said the body refused to accept the case presented by the union, and decided to appoint facilitator Peter Cassells who was continuing to work on the issue.

He added it was “surprising” that the CWU had now removed itself from this process and embarked on a new approach, “which is designed to cause further damage to the parcels and courier business”.

David MurphyDeputy Business Editor