Isle of Man Post Office says it has a ’robust’ contingency plan in place should posties vote for industrial action over the festive period.

Postal members of the Communication Workers’ Union are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over changes to their pay and conditions.

The ballot closes on December 4

Post Office chairman Julie Edge MHK said: ’Just the threat of strike action is highly damaging to everyone at the Post Office and our customers.

’We will be very disappointed if the CWU members vote in favour of strike action.’

She added: ’We are acutely aware at this time of year that our valued customers heavily rely on our postal service and trust us to deliver their special cards, letters and presents.

’However, we can assure them that should a strike materialise, we have a robust contingency plan which will fall into place which will minimise any potential disruption to the excellent service we usually provide.’

The CWU has described the proposed changes to pay, pensions, terms and conditions and service levels as the ’most horrific’ they have ever seen in the Isle of Man from the Post Office board - and amounted to ’privatisation by the back door’.

It is urging members to vote ’yes’ for industrial action.

Isle of Man Post Office made a loss for the first time this year and its board says the business is experiencing difficult trading conditions and must change.

It has been in negotiations with the CWU over pension and pay reform for some time and, more recently, has been in discussion over proposals to modernise operations.

Ms Edge said: ’It is in everyone’s best interests to conclude negotiations in a timely manner and hopefully reach an agreement.

’It is important to stress the Post Office continues to be open to further talks with the CWU at any time.’