Updated 5/10 @ 7.32am

THE UNION REPRESENTING workers striking at postal sorting centreshas called on An Post’s executive leadership to withdraw its threat to shut down the National Postal Service.

The Communication Workers Union says such a decision would cause long term damage to businesses and the postal service itself.

Thirty six workers at IO Systems, who are responsible for equipment in An Post’s mail centres, have have been on strike since Friday and An Post’s mail services has been suspended as a result.

The strike is over a new rostering arrangement that is opposed by IO Systems workers who are members of the CWU.

The CWU says that the new arrangement will impose a pay cut of as much as 22% on IO Systems workers.

In a statement, CWU said, “Approximately 40% of mail is sorted using the automated systems maintained by IO Systems. Parcel and packet mail are not processed through these systems and are therefore unaffected.”

The Union added that its members will extend manual sorting as needed to ensure the continuing collection, sorting and delivery of parcel, package and other mail to current industry-leading service standards.

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Plan B

The Department of Social Protection says contingency plans are in place for the thousands of social welfare cheques that are due to be issued today. Those who can are advised to collect their cheques themselves.

The Department has also advised those applying for the water conservation grant to do so online.

Post offices will be open today and post already in the system will be delivered.