Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

Under the relevant industrial relations legislation, will the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources intervene to ensure, as a prerequisite to any settlement between An Post and SDS workers that a commitment is made to pay increases due under Sustaining Progress and that arrears are paid as a matter of urgency, including payments to An Post pensioners? I have been contacted by a number of An Post and SDS workers concerned at how senior management has dealt with the issue. Other sectors, including Oireachtas Members, have received their increases under the agreement.

Members know the importance of An Post's work as every day we send correspondence to those we represent. Despite senior management's argument, An Post is now a financially stable and sustainable company. Obvious steps can be taken by management to improve and ensure the company's viability. The workers I have met are committed and willing to work with management to implement improvements to work practices. However, the manner in which the company has dealt with the issue shows no regard to the esteem of its workers. This is an important issue that must be resolved in the forthcoming Labour Court hearings. The Minister must ensure these payments are a prerequisite to any settlement made.