The postal dispute is over.

Isle of Man Post Office has announced that agreement has been reached with the Communications Workers’ Union.

Union members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the negotiated aspects of the pay and pension reforms in a ballot this week.

The count, which was conducted by the Manx Industrial Relations Office, confirmed that 164 votes out of a total of 183 received had voted yes in support of the proposed changes.

Post Office chairman Julie Edge said: ’We are pleased that we have reached settlement on key elements of the pay and pension proposals for our valued workforce, seeking to maintain their terms and conditions as much as possible, while remaining financially prudent.

’The agreed proposal will enable the business to make changes which will help to sustain it for the future, to the benefit of the Manx economy and its people.’

Deputy general secretary postal Terry Pullinger said the negotiated agreement was the result of ’strong collective action and solidarity’.

By an 89% majority, members voted to accept a two-year consolidated pay deal, backdated to April 2018, protection of existing voluntary redundancy protections and mutually agreed ’buyouts’ involving significant lump sums in terms of allowances and leave accrual.

Mr Pullinger said: ’The business initially was set to unilaterally impose compulsory redundancies and abolish these allowances - but the determination, fighting spirit and solidarity shown by our members has pushed management back on all fronts.

’Another factor in forcing the concessions was our success instigating the direct involvement of the island’s Industrial Relations Officer.’

Posties took part in a two-day strike before Christmas, followed by a three-day walk out in a dispute over changes to pay and terms and conditions.