A union has welcomed the decision to postpone the closure of the crown post offices in Douglas and Ramsey - but has warned that any compulsory redundancies would be ‘completely unacceptable’.
The Communication Workers Union condemned Isle of Man Post’s initial decision to close the post offices in Regent Street, Douglas, and Parliament Street, Ramsey and move existing services to sub-post offices in nearby Spar shops.
Following public protests and an emergency debate in the House of Keys, MHKs voted on December 2 to postpone the transfer for three months.
Terry Pullinger, the union’s national officer, said he was reassured by the move.
He said: ‘We have held meetings with the Isle of Man Post Office and they have confirmed that the three month consultation process is one that will provide a genuine opportunity for the communities of Douglas and Ramsey, and the CWU, to place alternative proposals to the conversion proposition which will be meaningfully considered.’
The union, which represents non-managerial staff working for Royal Mail and boasts over 200,000 members, have also praised the public’s support for their staff.
Mr Pullinger said: ‘While the loyal public servants represented by the CWU are still shocked and devastated by the initial callous decision and announcement by the business, they are equally overwhelmed by the massive public support that has been shown for the retention of these Isle of Man Post Office flagship retail outlets.’
The union’s local branch confirmed their support for the 19 affected staff at a meeting last week, and the CWU have warned that they will fight any redundancies.
‘On December 4 2014 a well-attended union meeting took place. CWU members employed throughout the Isle of Man Post Office, including the delivery function, were 100 per cent supportive of the counters members.
‘There is a clear determination that whatever the outcome, our agreements in respect of surplus employees will be adhered to and that any compulsory redundancy would be totally unacceptable.
Mr Pullinger added: ‘We are of course conscious that there are both social and commercial issues to be both considered and responded to, but we remain extremely positive that with the support of the community, local businesses and the local and national political machinery that this short-sighted decision can be reversed and a far more robust long-term arrangement can be agreed which ensures the IOM Post Office still retains Crown Offices.
‘These offices would then provide the platform from which a whole series of new products and services could be launched which would enable and ensure that the IOM Post Office is in the best position to respond to the challenges of the future whilst still providing an outstanding excellent public service.’