Potential Meeting Could Avert Christmas Mail Strike

Potential Meeting Could Avert Christmas Mail Strike

Thursday, 17 December, 2009

Australia Post has agreed to the union's suggestion for a meeting with Chief Operating Officer Jim Marshall, subject to the removal of notices of intention to take industrial action and current bans ahead of Christmas next week.

Union national President Ed Husic has written to Australia Post requesting the meeting as a way to resolve the dispute.

Australia Post has agreed to the meeting but requires as a show of good faith and in the best interest of the public at Christmas time that the union withdraw notices of intention to take industrial action for next week and current bans.

"We are pleased that there appears to be a real attempt to resolve this issue ahead of further disruptions to the Christmas mail," said Australia Post spokesperson Alex Twomey.

"As a show of good faith our Chief Operating Officer is happy to meet with the union but requires a similar act of good faith in return with the removal of potential strike action.

"With the threat of a Christmas strike off the table we believe productive talks can occur."

Australia Post has an offer on the table which includes a four percent pay increase, 14 weeks paid maternity leave, an agreement of no forced redundancies and locks in existing entitlements.

"This is a sensible compromise that has the potential to move the process along, free from any disruption to Christmas cards and presents."

The union has sent Australia Post notices of industrial action for the 22 and 23 of December.

For further information, please contact:

Alex Twomey
03 9204 5362

Australia Post is the oldest continually operating organisation in Australia. Every day Australia Post delivers 20 million items to 10.7 million addresses across Australia. With 4,433 outlets across the nation we are the largest retail network in Australia with 2,541 of these outlets in rural and remote areas. We are a self-funding business and receive no taxpayer funding.


SOURCE: Australia Post