Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) advises customers that the Communication Workers Union’s planned strike action will go ahead for the next three days, as talks to avert failed to reach an agreement. Talks were held today (Wednesday) with the assistance of the Manx Industrial Relations Service (MIRS).
Simon Kneen, Chief Executive of IOMPO, said: “From the outset of today’s talks, we re-emphasised to the CWU the reasons why financially responsible changes need to be made to sustain the business in the long-term, protecting services and jobs to the benefit of the Manx economy. Despite recognising the challenges, the CWU’s counter proposal adds significant additional cost into the business, over and above the IOMPO’s proposal. It’s extremely disappointing and frustrating that the CWU are unwilling to compromise further and will continue the strike action causing further disruption for our customers.”
He continued: “Our latest pay and pension proposal is, we firmly believe, realistic, fair and financially responsible and seeks to maintain as much as possible the terms and conditions for our valued workforce, but these have to be aligned to our financial status and while the business continues to be loss making, there are simply not the funds to support what the CWU is asking for.”
The three-day walkout will take place from 05.30hrs tomorrow (Thursday) through to 18:00hrs on Saturday 16th February. IOMPO is reassuring its customers that contingency plans are in place to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.
Priority will be given to premium services (Special Delivery and Parcelforce 24), Yodel parcel deliveries and business services for commercial clients. Depending on how many people attend work on the strike days, IOMPO will try to deliver and collect as much other mail as possible. IOMPO normally delivers approximately 500 bouquets of flowers on Valentine’s Day and delivering these will not be affected. Customers are reminded that an Island-wide doorstep delivery of standard post will not be possible which will include Valentine’s Day cards.
Further details of IOMPO’s contingency plans can be found on its dedicated ‘Strike action updates’ webpage www.iompost.com/strike where there will also be the latest information. IOMPO kindly requests customers check here for the latest news before calling the Customer Services Team. Alternatively, customers are welcome to register for a service update by emailing the Customer Services Team at customer.services@iompost.com
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