Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is disappointed that the latest round of negotiations with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) held today (Thursday), have failed to reach an agreement. Both parties met for further talks on pay and pension reforms with the assistance of the Manx Industrial Relations Officer.
Simon Kneen, Chief Executive of IOMPO, said: "Despite progress in recent weeks, trying to divide up areas of the overall negotiation and gaining 'without prejudice' support on key aspects, the CWU National negotiator Terry Pullinger was unwilling to put the proposals to a member vote at this time. This is frustrating as we have support for the changes from the other employee union we recognise, CMA/Unite, and some of the local CWU membership have indicated they are also supportive of the changes proposed. Throughout the series of talks over many months, we have listened to employee and union member feedback and moved materially to reassure our employees and provide them with greater financial certainty as we progress changes to modernise, adapting to our customers' changing needs and to regulatory changes. Given IOMPO's current financial status, as well as challenging trading conditions, we firmly believe our final counter proposal offered was both fair and realistic."
He continued: "We have sought to maintain the terms and conditions of our valued workforce as much as possible, while remaining financially responsible. IOMPO must change and modernise in order to sustain the business for the future, protecting services and jobs to the benefit of the Manx economy."
The CWU has advised it has no further plans to stage strike action at this time however, while the union and IOMPO remain in dispute, the CWU could call a strike with seven days' notice. IOMPO now awaits a formal response from Mr Pullinger following today's talks.
IOMPO wishes to thank the Manx Industrial Relations Officer Julie Bradley for her ongoing assistance with this dispute.
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