An Post collection staff vote by two-to-one for new deal

Collection and delivery workers at An Post have voted by almost two-to-one to accept a Labour Court recommendation on major changes to their work practices.

The vote by members of the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) should bring to an end the long-running dispute at the company, which appeared at times to threaten its future.

It also means that more than 8,000 staff in An Post, as well as the company’s pensioners, will receive a pay increase next week of just over 5 per cent due to them under Sustaining Progress.

About 4,500 collection and delivery staff were eligible to vote in the ballot, which concluded yesterday morning.

Despite strong opposition to the recommendation by many postal workers in Dublin in particular, 2,932 union members voted for the deal. It was opposed by 1,486, with seven votes spoiled.

Welcoming the outcome, Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey said he hoped it was the beginning of a new era in industrial relations at An Post. He hoped both sides would embrace the court’s recommendation that “real partnership models” be established to deal with all issues.

An Post said the ballot result was highly significant for the company, its staff and customers. It was a “critical step” in the process to modernise “inflexible, outdated and cost-laden work practices”, the company said.

“A new, improved way of working will enable An Post and its staff to deliver a better quality of service and a much broader, modern range of products and services to customers.”

A CWU spokeswoman said the ballot result opened the way for the company and staff to move into a brighter future.