Post Office Union Rep Bitterly Disappointed By Potential Strike Action

Manx postal workers will soon be balloted on whether or not to strike.

Negotiations with the CWU are the result of an Isle of Man government pay freeze within the public sector.

Despite a hugely successful year for the company and Post office bosses praising the staff, the workers haven't seen any of the rewards.

A spokesman for the Isle of Man Post Office says :
"Isle of Man Post Office has been in discussion with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) since April last year.

These discussions are against the backdrop of the freeze on all public sector pay budgets. This freeze has been widely communicated to all public sector bodies, including the Isle of Man Post Office and therefore we are unable to move from this position.

Like the majority of Island and worldwide businesses, the Post Office is approaching the current economic situation in a responsible manner in order to protect the future prosperity of the Post Office, jobs and postal services against the backdrop of significantly declining mail volumes.

The Isle of Man Post Office has agreed an increase in dividend levels to Treasury as part of its responsibilities to the Island’s Government and in recognition of the Island’s financial situation."

The Assistant Secretary of the Communication Workers Union Terry Pullinger told 3FM they are bitterly disappointed that talks have ran dry with the Post Office. (audio above)

Talks have been on going since last April.