MHKs say they are disappointed not to have seen any details of the settlement that has ended the postal dispute.

Posties with the Communications Workers’ Union this month voted by a large majority to accept a revised offer, bringing to an end the long-running dispute over changes to their pay and terms.

The offer comprises a two-year pay deal, backdated to April 2018, a buy-out of ’outdated’ allowances, and increased contributions to the pension scheme which will be closed to new entrants, subject to the design of a new scheme.

Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson said: ’Whilst I am relieved that the Post Office have finally reached agreement with their staff after a series of damaging strikes, I am disappointed that Tynwald members haven’t been allowed to see any details of the pay settlement or future pension proposals.’

He said the recent strike action had been a ’last resort for many of the demoralised staff’.

Dr Allinson said: ’I hope that the Post Office can now move forward to work with all their employees who hold the key to improving the long-term financial future of the Post Office.

’I hope the chair of the Post Office will be in a position to brief Tynwald members on the final settlement and on the long term plans for the present pension scheme especially in relation to new members.’

Fellow Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper tweeted: ’What’s more frustrating is when I table questions to help try and get some clarity, all we end up with is half truths and belligerence!

’I’m really disappointed at the way Isle of Man Post Office is handling the challenge the organisation is facing. Transparency and co-operation are completely absent.’

Mr Hooper was referring to the prickly response in Tynwald last week from Post Office vice chairman Tanya August-Hanson to his questions about the board’s strategy.

The settlement sees a backdated 1.5% increase on basic pay for the posties plus a £450 lump sum and a 2% increase from April this year, with a next pay review in April 2020.

There are plans to draw up a new ’risk sharing’ pension scheme for new starters.

An impasse over a new pay scale for new starters remains under discussion. A benchmarking exercise on pay scales undertaken by the Post Office will be reviewed by an independent panel.

Mr Hooper tweeted: ’I’ve been asking for the ’benchmarking’ to be publicised for the best part of a year and been told numerous times it’s not possible as it’s not yet finished - turns out it’s finished enough to be shared with an independent panel. Just not with Tynwald members.’