CWU general secretary, Steve Fitzpatrick, said: “This dispute has effectively been engineered by IO Systems management by having the workers who maintain vital mail sorting equipment pay for the contract they have with An Post through cuts to their wages”.
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“Also, as a result of this industrial action, there will be no mail collections from businesses today, Friday”.
Working lives It said IO Systems had also attempted to introduce rosters which would force workers on to non-rotating night work for the rest of their working lives.
In a statement sent to Post&Parcel today, An Post said that it was advising customers not to post mail items until further notice, as the operator will be “unable to process mail for delivery to customers”.
Michael Lynam of vehicle part retailer micksgarage.com said the suspension of services has been a “bombshell” for his business as up to 98% of their deliveries are made through An Post.
“IO Systems have undertaken this action in complete disregard for the long term consequences and the impacts this will have on mail delivery services nationwide”.
The CWU had already balloted members on the issue – and had approval for strike action, which it initiated in response to the company action.
An Post urged parties to the dispute to use the “State’s dispute resolution Institutions (LRC & Labour Court) to resolve their differences in a peaceful manner”.
Union chiefs have blasted as “bizarre and reckless” a country-wide shut down of postal services over a row involving 33 outsourced workers.
An Post says contingency plans are in place but that disruptions could be significant.
“We are calling today for the appointment of a Special Investigator from the C&AG’s office to examine the background and process for the awarding of the IO Systems contract by An Post”.
“We will not back down in the face of this provocation and threats from the company”.
The Minister for Social Protection is being asked to ensure welfare recipients aren’t affected by industrial action affecting An Post.
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“Around 68,000 of these who receive their Jobseekers’ payments by cheque may be affected”.
