Latest talks between the Post Office management and the Communication Workers Union have failed to reach an agreement.

Both parties met today (Thursday) for further talks on pay and pension reforms with the assistance of the Manx Industrial Relations officer.

The CWU has no plans at this stage for further strike action but could call industrial action with seven day’s notice.

Simon Kneen, Post Office chief executive, said: ’Despite progress in recent weeks, trying to divide up areas of the overall negotiation and gaining ‘without prejudice’ support on key aspects, the CWU national negotiator Terry Pullinger was unwilling to put the proposals to a member vote at this time.

’This is frustrating as we have support for the changes from the other employee union we recognise, CMA/Unite, and some of the local CWU membership have indicated they are also supportive of the changes proposed.

’Throughout the series of talks over many months, we have listened to employee and union member feedback and moved materially to reassure our employees and provide them with greater financial certainty as we progress changes to modernise, adapting to our customers’ changing needs and to regulatory changes.

’Given IOMPO’s current financial status, as well as challenging trading conditions, we firmly believe our final counter proposal offered was both fair and realistic.’

He continued: ’We have sought to maintain the terms and conditions of our valued workforce as much as possible, while remaining financially responsible. IOMPO must change and modernise in order to sustain the business for the future, protecting services and jobs to the benefit of the Manx economy.’

The Post Office said it now awaits a formal response from Mr Pullinger following today’s talks.