Irish Postmasters Plan Industrial Action

Irish Postmasters Plan Industrial Action
September 20, 2001 — Padraig Yeates, the Irish Times: “The State’s 1,800 postmasters are to ballot on industrial action over the next 10 days and are also planning a march to the Dail on October 3rd. Their aim is to maximise pressure on TDs, and especially Government backbenchers, to have An Post’s Postpoint system withdrawn. There is little doubt about the outcome of the ballot, which concludes on October 5th. Strike notice is likely to be served for October 12th. Last month a group of postmasters took unofficial action by blocking Portlaise sorting office briefly. Besides demanding the withdrawal of Postpoint, which allows An Post to franchise out services to ordinary retailers, the Irish Postmasters’ Union is seeking payment of a 12 per cent increase awarded to its members by next February. Members of the IPU have begun meeting local community groups, as well as TDs, to maximise support for their campaign.” The articles states: “Ms O’Rourke [government minister] is expected to convene a new forum of the post office system within the next fortnight. The IPU and An Post will be invited to attend. A spokesman for the Minister added that extra share capital was being made available to An Post to fund the 12 per cent increase. An Post says that it cannot pay without a Government subvention.” (Source: Financial Times)