Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is disappointed that further talks with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) today (Thursday) have broken down and strike action will continue for a second day on Friday 14th December 2018.
Simon Kneen, Chief Executive of IOMPO said: "Despite IOMPO putting forward an enhanced proposal for consideration to the CWU, the Union advised they required more time to consider a formal response and counter proposals. Therefore, I have been notified that the CWU's planned strike action will go ahead on Friday."
He added, "After ongoing negotiations over an 18 month period, we are frustrated that these talks haven't had a satisfactory solution for both parties. We were willing to continue talks to ensure the best outcomes for all of our staff and the Manx public, however, Mr Pullinger had a pre booked flight and had to leave the Island in advance of the second day of strikes.
"We believe the proposals we have put forward are in the best interests of our current staff, to maintain our defined benefit scheme by closing it to new entrants and to ensure future contribution increases remain affordable for both staff and the business. This is in addition to the two year pay offer also made."
Referring to today's strike, Mr Kneen added: "Our robust contingency plans worked extremely well. All services with the exception of an Island-wide doorstep delivery of standard post were delivered. We would like to thank our customers, once again, for their patience during the strike and convey our thanks to those staff who continued to work and in most cases extended their hours to ensure minimal disruption to our valued customers."
"The Board and the Executive Team, are seeking to make key changes to ensure fairness and equality for all our employees in the long term and to improve job security. The Board has to balance the interests of all our customers, staff and the taxpayer. The business is facing challenging times and we are trying to do the right thing by our valued workforce but there are certainly no easy decisions as the postal industry continues to evolve."
Simon concluded: "We continue to remain open to further talks with the CWU and Mr Pullinger has indicated that he will return to the Island in January and therefore does not propose any further planned strike action in advance of Christmas ensuring no further disruption to our valued customers who rely heavily on our postal service, and trust us to deliver their special cards, letters and presents. I would also like to thank the Manx Industrial Relations Service for their ongoing support"
Regular updates will be available on IOMPO's dedicated 'Strike Action Updates' web page, www.iompost.com/Strike and on IOMPO's Facebook page 'Isle of Man Post Office'. IOMPO kindly requests customers check here for the latest news before calling the Customer Services Team.
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