The Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) has responded to criticism from An Post relating to the decision by the group of the unions to reject the findings of the report that led to today’s pay rise for workers.
An Post today confirmed that 9,600 workers will receive a five per cent pay rise, backdated to January, and beginning at the end of the month.
The announcement came on the back of a financial assessors report which was published by the company last week.
However, speaking on behalf of the CWU, Mr Sean McDonagh, National Officer of the CWU Postal Division said today: "While we welcome the fact that the recommendations on Sustaining Progress made by the assessors vindicates our decision to pursue the matter through the industrial relations machinery of the State, we find it deeply regrettable that the recommendations simply do not go far enough.
"Accepting these recommendations would result in low paid workers and pensioners continuing to be denied the cost of living increases agreed by the sole Shareholder of An Post (the Government) and the Trade Unions."
Mr McDonagh added that the pay rise "is simply not good enough" and that the workers are "fully entitled" to 8.5 per cent, some of which backdates to November 2003.
"We therefore have no choice but to refer the matter through the Labour Relations Commission on to the Labour Court for determination," he added.
"It is wholly unrealistic for An Post management to expect the company to move ahead until employees receive the full payment which is now long overdue."