Bosses and workers are still at loggerheads in the post dispute.

Post Office management and the Communications Workers’ Union failed to reach an agreement on Wednesday night (February 13), despite attempts to avert a planned three-day postal strike, which started on Valentine’s Day yesterday.

Manx Industrial Relations Services (MIRS) assisted with the discussions.

Simon Kneen, chief executive of the Isle of Man Post Office, said: ’From the outset of yesterday’s talks, we re-emphasised to the CWU the reasons why financially responsible changes need to be made to sustain the business in the long-term, protecting services and jobs to the benefit of the Manx economy.

’Despite recognising the challenges, the CWU’s counter proposal adds significant additional cost into the business, over and above the IOMPO’s proposal.

’It’s extremely disappointing and frustrating that the CWU are unwilling to compromise further and will continue the strike action causing further disruption for our customers.’

He continued: ’Our latest pay and pension proposal is, we firmly believe, realistic, fair and financially responsible and seeks to maintain as much as possible the terms and conditions for our valued workforce, but these have to be aligned to our financial status and while the business continues to be loss making, there are simply not the funds to support what the CWU is asking for.’

In addition to protecting basic pay and a two-year fixed pay award, IOMPO has proposed a further three years of pay protection (making five years in total) for all employees.

It also offered a phased buy-out of what it describes as ’outmoded and inequitable’ allowances, in order to smooth the financial impact.

Union boss Terry Pullinger told the Courier following Wednesday’s talks that the Post Office has made an ’absolutely futile effort to divert a strike movement’.

’It’s very frustrating and disappointing,’ he said.

The union is against the Post Office’s proposal for new starters to begin on a lower rate of pay than what was previously offered.

’It brings inequality issues, as workers will ask: "Why am I not getting paid the same for doing the same work?",’ Mr Pullinger continued.

’We’ve counted a lot of problems, like not being able to advertise the jobs because people aren’t taking them.’

He added: ’We’re still prepared to work towards the strategic goals in a way that doesn’t impact our numbers.’

The three-day walkout is scheduled to end at 6pm on Saturday (February 16).

The Post Office is assuring customers that disruption is kept to a minimum. Priority will be given to premium services.