I wish to update you in respect of a number of issues currently under discussion with An Post.

LRC – Clerical Residual Issues

As advised at the Spring Seminar discussions with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission are ongoing in an effort to deal with a number of residual clerical issues which are now nearing completion.

These relate to:-

– Options for Branch Managers in Offices Converting.
– Number / location of remaining offices to be converted.
– Union recognition for offices that convert.
– Increase in pay for Retail Clerks.
– Post Offices Regional Structure.
– Mails Stream Managers/Clerical Pay Retrospection
– Work Practice Changes in Post Offices

Every effort is being made by the Union to secure an acceptable resolution to these matters. While some progress has been made a number of critical issues remain to be resolved. A further meeting is scheduled to take place at the LRC on Wednesday 18th July 2007.  Both parties have committed to finalise matters as early as possible.

Clerical and Administrative Area Work Practice Change Agreement

The Union and the Company has adopted a joint approach towards the implementation of the Clerical and Administrative Area Work Practice Change Agreement.

1. Regional Structure

A meeting is scheduled for the 17th July 2007 to discuss the Company’s proposals for implementation of the Regional Structure / Closure of the Area Offices as outlined at Section 7 – Regional Offices of the agreement.
          Contd…./

2. VSS / VER

As implementation of the agreement proceeds exits will be facilitated once local arrangements to transfer / absorb work into the Regional Structure is agreed.

3. Filling of Managers / Supervisors Position

The Monitoring Group has been requested to clarify their intentions in respect of Clause 7.2.1 of the Agreement.

4. Assignment to Clerical Positions

The filling of Clerical Positions has commenced with existing duty holders being assigned in the following areas:

• Philatelic
• DMC
• CMC
• AMC
• NPC

When this exercise is completed vacant posts will be filled in accordance with Section 7.3.1.

Post Office Conversion Programme

Implementation of the Post Office Phase 1 and 2 Conversion Programme is continuing with the assistance of Mr. Bill Colfer, Partnership Co-ordinator. As part of the process it has been agreed that he will arrange sign-off involving the local Branch and local / Area Management.

Following Headquarters meetings the issues identified below have been agreed for staff impacted by the implementation of the changes.

Financial and Career Advice

The Company has agreed that contact details for Financial / Tax advice are now included with the exit estimates provided to staff. A one day course on career advice is available to staff who actually avail of exits when numbers are adequate (approx 15 people across the Company).

Temporary / Upgraded Part – Time Staff

At Appendix 1 to this circular are the agreed arrangements for the treatment / assignment of Temporary and Part Time Staff in the context of an office converting.

          Contd…./

Transfer Lists for Post Office Clerks / Retail Clerks

The arrangements agreed for assimilation of the different categories of staff for converting offices into their new offices is attached at Appendix 2.

Detailed Clarifications on the various options listed in the agreement are provided for as part of the agreed consultation process for Clerical Staff affected.

Filling of Branch Manager Vacancies

The Company has confirmed to the Union its intention to fill existing Branch Manager (Supt 2 level) Vacancies at Arklow, Bray, Cork and Tralee as well as an anticipated Branch Manager (Supt 2 level) vacancy at Letterkenny. It is also intended to fill the vacant Bullion Centre Managers position in Cork.

The vacancies will be filled in accordance with Paragraph 6.3.7 of the Transformation Through Partnership in An Post Agreement.

Branches will be advised of any further developments as they occur.