An Post accepts Labour Court ruling

The board of An Post yesterday decided to accept a Labour Court recommendation aimed at resolving a long-running dispute at the company which had threatened to disrupt postal services in the run-up to Christmas.

Under the Labour Court recommendation, around 8,500 members of the Communications Workers' Union (CWU) will receive outstanding pay increases due under the Sustaining Progress Agreement, without conditions.

An Post had previously sought to link the payment of the increases to reforms in its collection and delivery operations with a view to reducing overtime costs.

The CWU had already said that it would "strongly recommend" to members that they accept the court's proposals. It also called off proposed industrial action on foot of the recommendation from the Labour Court.

The result of a ballot of members of the CWU on the Labour Court recommendation is expected to be completed within a fortnight.

The chairwoman of An Post, Margaret McGinley, thanked all parties involved for their efforts to resolve the issues in dispute.

She also said the commitment by the leadership of the CWU to recommend acceptance of the Labour Court recommendation in a ballot was welcome, as was the removal of the threat of strike action.

"The key factor going forward will be the implementation of the Labour Court recommendation to ensure a quality and timely postal service for all customers," Ms McGinley said.

National officer of the CWU Seán McDonagh last night described the decision of the board of An Post to accept the Labour Court recommendation as positive.

"We are pleased that the board has accepted the recommendation of the Labour Court as this provides for the payment of cost of living increases to staff and pensioners. These will be paid before Christmas," he said last night.

Mr McDonagh said the union was currently balloting members on the collection and delivery proposals set out in the Labour Court recommendation. He said this ballot would be completed by December 8th.

Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey said he welcomed the decision of the An Post board. "I look forward to a positive result in the ballot," he added.