In the News

Isle of Man Post is warning that its customers will suffer if postal workers go on strike in the UK.

The Communication Workers' Union (CWU) has announced it will stage a 24-hour postal strike in the UK on November 4.

The news came after 63 per cent of the 115,000 union members in the UK took part in the ballot over pay and pensions, with the majority voting in favour of a one-day walkout.

Mike Kelly, chief executive of the Isle of Man Post Office, said: 'We are strongly against any form of strike action which would have a knock-on effect for our customers.

'The threat of industrial action can be particularly damaging to any business and none more so than the postal network with an ever increasing number of courier and logistic companies in the marketplace. It also causes concern for customers and partners.

We strongly hope that the UK branch of the CWU can settle their dispute and avoid any potential strike action through on-going negotiation with Royal Mail between now and the planned strike date of November 4.'

He added: 'Any strike action in the UK would have an impact on our Isle of Man customers in terms of the speed in delivering and receiving mail to and from the UK. Although we will work with Royal Mail to put in place robust contingency arrangements if the strike does materialise, there will inevitably be some knock-on effect for our customers on the island.

'Indeed the very suggestion of possible strike action causes concern. In preparation we are working hard on our own contingency arrangements in order to minimise any disruption there could be to island customers.'