I wish to up date you in respect of a number of issues which have been under discussion with An Post as follows:

Towards 2016
In February of this year the Group of Unions submitted the claim as provided for under Towards 2016 for an increase in pay and allowances to An Post Staff and Pensioners of 3.5% from the 1st May 2009.  This matter was further considered at a Joint Conciliation Council meeting held this week.  The Company side sought additional time to consider the claim due to the continuing decline in mail volumes as a result of the economic recession and the consequential impact on the Company finances.  The An Post Group of Unions has invoked the procedures of the Agreement and referred the claim to the Labour Relations Commission as they felt sufficient time had been given to the Company to respond.

Drug Refund Scheme
As you are aware the Union has attempted to secure increases in line with the Department of Finance thresholds up to  €100 as well as the retrospection owed to members for increases due prior to December 2007.  This matter was a subject of a further Labour Relations Commission Conciliation Conference on Wednesday 10 June 2009.  As it was not possible to conclude agreement on the matter, this matter has now been referred to the Labour Court.