Unofficial industrial action by post office clerks disrupted postal services this morning across the State.
Workers from the Communications Workers Union (CWU) did not open post offices for up to two hours in the nine areas in pursuit of a regrading and pay-restructuring claim. The areas included Gorey, Arklow, Bray, Birr, Rosscrea, Drogheda, Navan, Galway city and Castlebar.
Mr John Foley from An Post said the action has not affected postal deliveries but has caused a build-up of customers at the offices hit by the action, particularly as child benefit payments are made today.
There were 12 similar stoppages yesterday. Mr Foley said: "An Post has no idea if there would be a repeat of the action tomorrow or what areas would be affected".
The lightning strike action could affect up to 100 offices which are run by An Post.
A CWU spokesperson was not available for comment this morning, but the union confirmed the action was unofficial.
An Post said it has asked the Labour Relations Commission to intervene in talks over the workers’ claim after the CWU withdrew from talks last week.
An Post has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the action.