Industrial action threatens to disrupt mail delivery throughout the country next month and may mean that literature relating to the Nice Treaty does not reach voters.
The action, due to begin on August 19th, is being taken by the Irish Postmasters' Union which represents 600 members in sub-post offices throughout the Republic.
According to Mr John Kane, general secretary of the union, there are two main reasons for the dispute. The first relates to delays by An Post management in dealing with grievances raised by the union. In some cases union members had to wait six to 18 months for problems to be dealt with. The other issue concerns what he says is insufficient pay for much of the work done in the sub-offices.
Next month's action will mean that workers in sub-post offices will not begin sorting mail until 8 a.m. and mail deliveries to the sub-post offices will be not be accepted before that time. Much of this work starts at present as early as 6 a.m. Union members will also refuse to handle Nice Treaty literature.
A spokesman for An Post said the company would be engaging in talks with the union soon.