Irish An Post strikes hit dole payments
The GPO was shut down yesterday after unofficial action by An Post staff.
The industrial action by counter staff left thousands of unemployed people without their dole payments. More than 20 post offices nationwide, including the GPO, were forced to close.
An Post said yesterday that those involved in the action would have their pay docked. But the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) warned of further action if that happened.
Most of the strikers are expected to return to their jobs today.
Last November the post office staff received a special 12.5pc pay boost, backdated tolast summer, to implement agreed changes.
This involved the conversion of 50 branch post offices from company to private contracted operations. Yesterday’s action was sparked by moves by management to close Midleton post office in Cork.
The action spread to Dublin, Limerick, Shannon, Carrickmacross and Ballinrobe. However, staff in Galway did not back the action.
Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Coughlan said she had asked her officials to remain in close contact with both An Post and the CWU to ensure payments are made tosocial welfare customers when staff return to their duties.
