Postal service strike talks adjourn until later in the week

Talks between representatives of An Post sub-contractor IO Systems and the Communications Workers' Union, in their attempt to resolve the dispute that led to four days of disruption to the postal service, have adjourned for the night.

The representatives had agreed to attend negotiations overseen by independent mediator Phil Flynn.

The talks are expected to continue later in the week.

Postal services resumed on Monday afternoon after the Communications Workers’ Union, which represents staff at IO Systems, a contractor which maintains automated sorting equipment for An Post, said the industrial action had been called off.

The action was called off after the company agreed to re-instate workers on their original rosters and pay levels.

The focus of the talks is on finding a solution to the revised rosters and consequent cuts to earnings that had been at the heart of the dispute.

Disruption

Postal services were disrupted over the weekend after 30 workers at IO Systems handed in strike notice on Friday.

The action effectively paralysed the postal system, as about 80 per cent of all mail goes through an automated sorting system.

An Post advised customers not to post anything during the action.