Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Two questions arise. How has a subcontractor of An Post, which is wholly owned by the State, attempted to drastically change workers' pay and conditions due to the terms of a tender and not through normal negotiating practices? Workers have had their job security eroded by the drastic cut in shift hours and pay. The workers are taking the ultimate step to strike, with the Communications Workers' Union providing financial help where necessary.

There is concern about this issue. I take the point the Minister made in respect of An Post, but I would be more reassured if he could seek the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission again to make sure that with respect to whatever issues exist between the company that is contacted by An Post and its workers, the company treats its workers fairly and makes sure that the issues are brought to a satisfactory conclusion. I understand industrial mediation attempts were made by Kevin Foley and Phil Flynn to have these issues resolved - if I am not correct on that, the Minister might advise me - and that a decision was made by the Labour Court at some stage in this regard. I ask the Minister to do all in his power to make sure that there is no issue on Thursday and that in respect of the outstanding issue between the company and its employees, who are represented by the Communications Workers' Union, they try to resolve their difficulties without having strike notice served on them or on the company.

See this speech in context