Isle of Man postal strike averted after “positive” union talks
Strike action planned for postal services on the Isle of Man on Tuesday (April 12) has been called off, pending further talks between management and the Communication Workers Union. The union, which represents about 250 postal staff on the island, has agreed to cancel the industrial action following two days of “positive talks” with the Isle of Man Post Office.
However, the two sides still require further talks to reach an agreement over worker pay, with dates for possible negotiations set to be arranged over the next few days.
Post Office workers on the island had voted overwhelmingly last month to strike over the dispute that relates to the Post Office joining an island-wide pay freeze for public sector workers, while profits are running at around 5%.
The Isle of Man Post Office said it was pleased the strike action had been averted.
Mike Kelly, its chief executive, said a framework had been agreed with the union to explore ways to resolve the current dispute.
He said: “Both parties recognise that future talks will still have to overcome some difficult challenges however, we are confident both parties are now committed to finding a solution. We would like to thank the industrial relations office for their valued assistance in the talks.”
The CWU said its dispute with postal management was still “far from resolved”, but CWU national official Terry Pullinger said talks had been “professional and productive” over the past two days.
“In the interest of creating the best possible atmosphere for resolution we have cancelled the planned industrial action for Tuesday 12th April. We will validate the ballot in a manner which will cause no disruption to the businesses and customers which our members serve.
“We feel optimistic for the first time in months that a solution can be achieved. No-one wants to have a strike, so we’re doing everything possible to resolve this dispute through negotiation,” Pullinger added.
