THE chairman of the Isle of Man Post Office has urged workers to reject strike action.

More than 250 postal workers have been issued with ballot papers by the Communication Workers Union today after a row over pay.

Workers have until March 16, to decide whether or not to strike.

Alan Crowe MLC said: "I would urge all postal workers to vote against strike action because of the damage this will do to our customers, our future success and ultimately jobs."

Mike Kelly, chief executive of the Isle of Man Post Office, said: "Much has been made by the Communication Workers Union regarding a previous agreement on pay.

"The Post Office has no record of any such agreement. The Communication Workers Union have been asked on numerous occasions for a signed copy of it and they have so far been unable to do so.

"The Post Office believes that its staff should be rewarded fairly and we believe our track record of pay and employment conditions reflect this. However the difficult circumstances the Island is facing and the freeze on public sector pay budgets means these aspirations cannot be met at this time."

Mr Crowe continued: "This rumour circulating about senior management pay is a clear attempt to spread misinformation and gain votes.

"I can categorically say the only change to pay during 2010 and 2011 for anyone working for Isle of Man Post Office is if they have been due an incremental rise on their pay scale or if they have been appointed into a new job. There have been no changes to the recognised pay scales during this period.

"I am confident our staff will recognise the difficult situation we face."

Pay was last increased for all staff in April 2009 for the year ending March 31, 2010, at 2.5 percent.

Also see: Strike ballot set for postal workers