You will be aware from previous correspondence that the Union and the Company had scheduled meetings to progress a number of Clerical Issues.  The following is an update in respect of today’s discussions.

Residual Clerical Issues - LRC

While some progress has been made it did not prove possible to finalise agreement on all matters.  Consequently a status report outlining both parties final position has been documented at the Labour Relations Commission.  The areas comprehended by this are:

• 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

It has been agreed to refer the matter to the Expert Group  appointed by the Labour Court for their consideration and assistance.  It is anticipated that they will convene a meeting early in September.

Regional / Area Structure

Separately the Union and Company also met today to progress the Regional / Area Structure as provided for under the Clerical and Administrative Area Work Practice Change Agreement.

The Company had previously proposed to the Union its intention to establish Transport work at Mullingar and Sligo and a National RLB at Limerick, which the Union accepted in principle.

A number of key issues have been identified to progress matters in order to implement the new Regional Structure while also providing work for surplus staff at Limerick, Mullingar and Sligo as intended at Clause 10.7.8.1 of the Clerical and Administrative Agreement.  These relate to:

• Establishment of Regional Office Structure
• Transfer of work from Area Offices to Regional Offices
• Transfer of Transport to Mullingar / Sligo
• Migration from Tranman to One World Transport Management Computer System
• Establishment of Limerick RLB
• Implementation process
• Initial Staffing process for Managers
• Assignment to Clerical Positions
• VER / VSS
• Management / Staffing Levels

A phased transfer of work will take place between former Area Offices to Regional Offices.  Meetings will take place at local level to facilitate this and any issues identified will be referred to central steering group.

The Company will establish the centralized Transport Function in tandem with migrating from the existing Tranman System to the One World Transport Management System.  The pilot scheme, initially planned for Naas, will now be moved to Mullingar followed by the transfer of transport work from Naas to Mullingar.

A similar process is being developed to initially, install, and train existing POCs in Sligo in the new system, followed by implementation of the system in Sligo and migration of transport work from Galway to Sligo.

Over the coming weeks the Unions Clerical Group will endeavour to progress these matters further with the Company.  Branches impacted by the above will be contacted at local level in respect of the intended changes.

Enquiries from members relating to the above should be referred to Joe Guinan or Sean McDonagh