Vol. 569 No. 3
286 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on recent lightning industrial action which closed a number of post offices in the country; if he will reiterate to the parties involved their obligation to abide by previous agreements into which they have entered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17799/03]
The industrial relations framework for An Post is primarily a matter for the management of the company and the trade unions.
I understand that the unofficial industrial action arose from the plan to convert 50 company owned offices to the sub post office model. It is intended to convert 28 offices to sub post offices this year with three conversions completed to date. The conversion strategy has been agreed with the CWU as part of a restructuring process by An Post to control costs. Members of the CWU have received a payment of 12.5% to implement this strategy. Procedures have been put in place, including the appointment of a partnership co-ordinator, to handle issues arising out of individual conversions.
