Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
92 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the degree to which he has had discussions with union representatives with the objective of ensuring the continuity of postal and post office services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31186/04]
View answer149 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has met with union representatives with reference to the future of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31185/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 149 together.
On 15 November last, I met with the executive of the Irish Postmasters Union who represent postmasters and postmistresses who are responsible for the running of the sub-post office network on a contract basis. I outlined to them my commitment, and that of the Government, to the retention of a viable and sustainable post office network meeting the needs of consumers with attractive products and services.
I listened with interest to their views and proposals in regard to the development of the network. Areas discussed included financial issues affecting rural post offices, as well as computerisation and business development for post offices. I was pleased to hear that that they are keen to enhance the range of products and services available through the network. For my part, I encouraged the union to work closely with An Post to continue the development process.
The primary responsibility for the development of the post office network remains with An Post, and while the Government will support the network in any way it can and has demonstrated its commitment, in a tangible fashion, with a €12.7 million capital injection in 2003, the way forward is for all stakeholders, including the IPU, to continue to work with An Post in enhancing existing services and to build on existing strengths to develop new product offerings.
The Communications Workers Union has also requested a meeting with me. As shareholder of An Post, I have no difficulty in meeting any trade union in the company. However, I am obliged to be mindful of the industrial relations situation in the company and the fact that the CWU is balloting on proposals for company restructuring.
The proposals on restructuring came about as a result of negotiations which stretched over seven months under the auspices of the LRC. The length of the negotiation process indicates the difficult and deep-seated issues to be resolved within An Post.
The restoration of financial and operational stability can only be achieved by management and unions adopting a partnership approach, using the services of the State's industrial relations machinery. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand that I can wave which will provide an easy solution to the difficulties in An Post.
The CWU has indicated that as part of any discussions, it is anxious to discuss the SDS situation with me and has forwarded a report prepared by a firm of accountants on the financial situation in SDS. Following the decision by the An Post board to close SDS and reintegrate the viable elements of the business into Letterpost, the CWU referred the closure decision to the National Implementation Body.
Arising from that process, Mr. Peter Cassells was appointed to facilitate any issues arising out of the closure. Both union and management agreed that closure issues would be handled within the ambit of the NIB brokered process. Therefore, any issues arising should be resolved using that framework.
Clearly, it would not be appropriate for me to have any perceived impact on the conduct of industrial resolutions processes and, therefore, it would not be appropriate, at this time, for me to meet the CWU to discuss matters which are the subject of ongoing IR processes with the company. I understand that the members of the CWU have voted to renew a mandate for strike action. Rather than resorting to any form of industrial action, I urge the members of the union to work through the established industrial relations machinery to resolve areas of disagreement between management and unions. An Post customers are entitled to a postal service, especially at Christmas and I would urge no disruption of postal deliveries at this time of the year.
