Postmasters to discuss ballot on Industrial Action

Postmasters are to hold an emergency meeting to consider a ballot on Industrial Action, including to withdraw support for changes to Postal Money Order and Foreign Exchange services.

The potential action comes amid mounting frustration with An Post and Government, as Postmasters say morale is low and meaningful engagement is needed to resolve a range of issues.

The national Members’ Meeting has been called for next Monday (March 28), and the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) Executive has motioned discussion of a ballot on Industrial Action.

IPU General Secretary Ned O’Hara said the Postal Order and Foreign Exchange issues are not the whole problem, but a tipping point among multiple issues that have built up between Postmasters and the company.

“This Meeting has been called to recognise and address low morale amongst Postmasters after enormous efforts throughout COVID-19 when our members worked longer hours, completed additional training and have been highly flexible. Frustration with An Post has mounted to a tipping point on a series of payments issues which include:

• A new Contract was signed in 2018 and we are still awaiting a promised ‘fit for purpose’ payments system
• Payments for additional work on Money Laundering, agreed in early 2021, are not being delivered
• Additional pay for 2021 Christmas Payments has been withheld
• A new rate for additional agency banking services is stalled
• Pay for additional work on Western Union transactions is not forthcoming.”
   

Mr. O Hara said that the latest requirement from An Post is to deliver changes to Postal Money Order and Foreign Exchange services, which would involve additional work for Postmasters. However, An Post wants to introduce it without engagement on pay.

An Post told Postmasters that the change was mandatory to comply with new Money Laundering standards. It would require Postal Money Order and Foreign Exchange customers to complete a new application form for even very small amounts, and to also provide personal ID and a household bill for larger amounts.

However, Mr O’Hara said Postmasters are very unhappy that An Post has not engaged in a discussion on the rate as additional work is involved. The Union also queried if the change was necessary and fears that it would reduce business.

“Postmasters are open to meaningfully engaging with An Post, on the full range of these issues, and to ensuring that Post Office services remain both user friendly and safe.”

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