Members of Communication Workers’ Union have unanimously voted to reject a revised offer from Post Office Management.

It means next weeks’ three-day strike by posties is on.The walk-out is scheduled to begin on one of the Post Office’s busiest days of the year outside Christmas - Valentine’s Day.

CWU boss Terry Pullinger said: 'There has been some movement but not sufficient to call off the industrial action.

'However, there is still a chance next week for more talks.’

The Post Office board described its latest offer as 'fair and realistic’.

In addition to protecting basic pay and the 2-year fixed pay award, it has proposed 'without prejudice’ a further three years of pay protection (five years in total) for all employees.

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

The CWU says loss of driving and Saturday allowances could result in some rural posties losing £35 a week in pay.Talks between the Post Office and CWU were held on Tuesday and Wednesday with the assistance of the Manx Industrial Relations Service.Post Office management said it had moved further on its proposals to try and conclude the negotiations and avoid a strike.It said while further talks are scheduled, contingency plans are in place for the walk-out, scheduled to take place from 5.30am on Thursday February 14 until 6pm on Saturday February 16.Chief executive Simon Kneen said: 'We have had some useful discussions over the past couple of days with the CWU, however we have not as yet been able to reach a mutual agreement.'Whilst we will continue talks, we appreciate the uncertainty and potential further disruption for our valued customers.'We wish to reassure our customers that we have strong operational contingency plans in place and express our sincere apologies to customers whose services may be affected if the strike goes ahead.'Maintaining the flow of mail to and from the island over the three strike days will be a priority and Post Office management is planning for the worst-case scenario to try to minimise disruption to customers and delay to their mail.With potentially more than 200 experienced members of staff out on strike, customers are advised that an island-wide doorstep delivery of standard post will not be possible, including Valentine’s Day cards. Premium services will be prioritised.Depending on how many people attend for work on the strike days, the Post Office will try to deliver and collect as much other mail as possible.It normally delivers about 500 bouquets of flowers on Valentine’s Day and delivering these will not be affected.Mr Kneen said: 'For Thursday February 14, our priority is to deliver all of our customers’ flowers that have either been ordered locally or are being brought in from the UK.'It will very much be business as usual with staff on hand to deliver them. With regards to Valentine’s cards, we would encourage customers to post these as early as possible so they can be delivered ahead of February 14.'