An Post staff left out in the cold

February 2004

STAFF At Arklow Post Office have spent the winter sorting parcels in the open rain because of a lack of accommodation, it was revealed last week.

And now their union has hit out at what they describe as the ‘awful, dreadful and deplorable conditions’ that the postal staff have to endure.

Union and staff complain that the many representations made over the last six years, seeking an improvement in their working conditions, have not met with a favourable response from the company so far.

‘The company has consistently stated over this period that they are seeking to provide alternative accommodation, but this is poor consolation to the staff at Arklow Post Office,’ the union declared.

According to staff, the Post Office is too small for the volume of work done there. The sorting office is used for processing mail for the town and the rural areas from Avoca and Aughrim to Carnew and Shillelagh.

Five members of staff work in a room which measures just ten feet by nine feet, and which has no ventilation. Other staff work in an area with other utilities stored and no ventilation, while more staff work in an open yard with no protection from the weather sorting parcels and packets.

‘In bad weather, this can be tough, and along with this, very little maintenance and repairs have been undertaken in the last ten years,’ the union said.

In a statement, An Post said they were fully aware that accommodation for mail delivery staff at Arklow leaves much to be desired.

‘We have, fact, been trying for some time to source suitable, alternative accommodation in Arklow. And our search continues.’