Post Office announces contingency plans ahead of Valentine's strike

Talks set to continue to try and avoid action

The Post Office Board has called the ongoing discussions with the Communication Workers' Union 'useful', but so far unable to find a mutual agreement.

Chief Executive Simon Kneen says, "whilst we will continue talks, we appreciate the uncertainty and potential further disruption for our customers and wish to reassure them that we have strong operational contingency plans in place. We express our sincere apologies to customers whose services may be affected if the strike goes ahead."

The three day walkout by CWU members is due to begin at 5.30am on Valentine's Day, 14 February, described by Mr Kneen as one of the busiest for the Post Office outside of Christmas.

The strike is due to end at 6pm on Saturday 16 February.

With potentially more than 200 experienced members of staff out on strike, customers are being advised that an Island-wide doorstep delivery of standard post will not be possible and that will include Valentine's cards.

The Post Office will prioritise premium services (Special Delivery and Parcelforce 24), Yodel parcel deliveries and business services for commercial clients. 

IOMPO normally delivers around 500 bouquets of flowers on Valentine’s Day and delivery of these will not be affected.

Mr Kneen says their priority is to deliver all flowers that have either been ordered locally or are being brought in from the UK. However, with regards to Valentine's cards, customers are being encouraged to post these as early as possible so they can be delivered ahead of 14 February.