Postal workers are to stage a further three day walk out next month.

Following a two day strike in December, the Communication Workers' Union confirmed its members will again strike on February 14, 15 and 16.

In a statement, the CWU said it had hoped a period of calm would have allowed common sense to prevail, however it said it has received no response from its January 4 submission for what it called a ’pragmatic programme for the future of the Isle of Man Post Office’.

Terry Pullinger, CWU deputy general said that the Post Office has ’decided to attempt to consult with our members on an individual basis’ rather than through the union.

He added: ’Our members clearly see management’s approach as an underhand and deliberate attempt to undermine the collective bargaining process.

’This has caused further and unnecessary stress to the members of the Union and has hardened their collective determination.

’We have received excellent support from the public and we genuinely hope they understand that our action is a legitimate protest to the ridiculous nature of these negotiations.

'We hope that they can see that the involvement of management, board members and government officials show that there are far too many fingers in the pie, making it almost impossible to make progress in these discussions.

’These talks feel increasingly as though the government is seeking to achieve precedence that could apply more widely to the rest of the public sector rather than developing an agreed vision for the Isle of Man Post Office in the best interest of loyal post workers, postal services in general and the commercial and social fabric of the Isle of Man.’

Isle of Man Post Office said in a statement:'We are extremely disappointed that the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) has announced to stage further strike action on February 14-16 inclusive, causing further disruption to our valued customers.

'For some time, IOMPO has been in negotiations with the employee trade unions on a number of pay and pension reforms.

'We hoped our latest revised proposal sent to the CWU earlier this week would have allowed progress to be made to resolve the current dispute so we can all move forward.

'Unfortunately, we have not had a response from the CWU other than today’s notice that its members are to stage a three-day walk out. This action does not help to make progress, it merely delays it.'

But Mr Pullinger insisted:'I have not seen any revised proposal. We have certainly not been sent anything by email.'