The threat of a national postal strike has been averted, following the intervention of the National Implementation Body (NIB).
Both sides in the dispute - the Communications Workers Union (CWU) and An Post have now agreed to the recommendations issued earlier today by NIB. The anticipated closure on Monday of An Post's SDS delivery service is expected to be postponed as part of those recommendations.
The union was first to respond saying it " would not proceed to implement its mandate for industrial action but would await the response from the company in relation to the NIB recommendation".
A short time later An Post issued a statement saying it accepts the NIB recommendations and will lift the suspensions: "An Post also welcomes the opportunity to conclude, with a definitive date, talks at the Labour Court on the reintegration of SDS and affirm our willingness to abide by the binding nature of these talks".
"The company is continuing to work with the Labour Relations Commission on detailed arrangements for the resumption of work in SDS. In line with the NIB recommendation, the company will lift the suspensions." it added.
Speaking after the union meeting earlier today, Secretary General, Mr Steve Fitzpatrick said: "The sectoral executive have accepted that in the circumstances, the direction given by the NIB to refer the issues to the Labour Court, and the advice it has given to both sides in this dispute, represents the only viable solution. With the immediate reinstatement of all 68 workers, as contained in the NIB formula, the CWU is not seeking to attach any strings or preconditions to the NIB recommendations."
"No one should underestimate the degree of anger and resolve among workers at An Post. While I have on this occasion persuaded members to pull back from the brink of national industrial action, I am appalled that the disgraceful and indefensible behaviour of management has required yet another intervention from the NIB and the social partners" he added
Earlier today, the NIB called on An Post to re-instate the 68 suspended parcel delivery workers in an effort to avert a national postal strike. The body, which comprises high-level Government, union and employer representatives, said the union should in turn lift the threat of industrial action.
A deadline of noon set by unions to re-instate the suspended workers passed without action by the postal company - the union has a previously-established mandate to take strike action.
National Implementation Body
In its statement today, the NIB had said: "In light of the national importance of the postal services and the present threat of major disruption, and of the offer by the Labour Court to hold talks on SDS reintegration on 11th February, the outcome of which both parties would abide by, the Body calls on both parties to suspend industrial action and lift suspensions in order to allow progress to be made."
The NIB regularly intervenes when there is a threat of strike action in State companies. Earlier this month, industrial action at Aer Lingus was defused following the intervention of the group.
A total of 68 workers at the company's parcel delivery subsidiary, SDS, were suspended on Monday after refusing to operate new working arrangements which their union says have not been agreed upon.
Widespread disruption to services was certain if the strike had gone ahead. Yesterday talks broke down over arrangements for closing the SDS subsidiary, which An Post says is no longer a viable operation. Its closure will see the loss of 270 jobs. This issue and the separate issue of postal workers' pay and conditions will be the subject of two Labour Court hearings scheduled for February 7th and 11th.
The CWU condemned management for failing to resolve outstanding issues through the industrial relations process as called for by the Minister for Communications, Mr Dempsey.
Deputy general secretary, Mr Terry Delaney had said: "In the event that the suspended employees have not been reinstated by 12 midday tomorrow the Union will immediately prepare to give effect to our members mandate by impacting the broader postal service."
An Post responded by saying it had no intention of accepting the union's deadline for reinstating the workers, and condemned the "aggression and belligerence by a dominant trade union".
Labour Party spokesperson on Communications, Mr Tommy Broughan, has called on Mr Dempsey to make a full statement when the Dáil returns from its Christmas break today.
Mr Broughan said: "Minister Noel Dempsey's inaction has contributed to the deteriorating situation at An Post."