Post workers set to strike up to 48 hrs

Australian Post workers are set to strike if their claim for a better deal on wages and conditions is rejected.

More than 10,000 staff took part in a ballot, with about three quarters supporting industrial action.

Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) national president Ed Husic said workers would roll out work bans and stoppages if Australia Post refused to negotiate over a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).

He said the union wrote to Australia Post yesterday asking them to return to the negotiating table.

Australia Post last month announced an immediate four per cent pay rise for its employees, rising to 12 per cent over two-and-a-half years.

But the union wants five per cent guaranteed in the first year.

It also wants penalty rates and job security conditions protected and an independent umpire to enforce the EBA.

Australia Post has said the offer was well above inflation and would lock in entitlements and award conditions.

If Australia Post refuses to resume wage talks, workers will start rolling four hour, 24 hour and 48 hour stoppages.

They will also introduce bans on overtime and the checking and collection of unpaid mail.

Mr. Husic has not set a deadline for strike action and was hopeful the dispute could be resolved in days not weeks.