Since taking up office, I have met the chairperson and the chief executive of An Post on one occasion in October. Departmental officials meet with An Post management on a monthly basis to be updated on significant issues. I am advised on the outcome of the monthly meetings.
With regard to continuity of services, I am pleased to say that the Labour Relations Commission has facilitated an agreement between An Post and the Communications Workers' Union on appropriate arrangements to deal with the Christmas post. It is good not only for An Post customers but also for the climate of industrial relations in the company that agreement has been reached because further complex and contentious industrial relations issues remain to be resolved in An Post.
The critically important objective of restructuring the company remains an imperative. All parties have agreed that change in the company is necessary, if it is to be financially viable and well positioned to meet the competitive challenges that can be expected to intensify during the months and years ahead.
In this regard, an exhaustive process of negotiation between An Post and the Communications Workers' Union has taken place, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission during 2004. The union is now balloting on the outcome of these negotiations. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further on this issue.
I also 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 would 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.
The proper forum for discussing industrial relations issues is the State's industrial relations machinery. I am of the view that while all parties continue to engage with these mechanisms, that progress can continue to be made.
The challenge going forward is for both sides to redouble their efforts to agree to put in place and to manage the changes necessary to enable An Post to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Ultimately, it will be to the benefit of An Post and its employees, as well as its customers and the community at large, if agreement on much needed change can be secured. In such circumstances, An Post will be enabled to continue to deliver the kind of service which is essential for a modern competitive economy.
