The Communications Workers Union (CWU) has negotiated two new pay agreements for employees at Eir and An Post, with significant boosts to their salaries on the horizon. If approved by members in the upcoming ballot, An Post workers could see an 8% increase in pay over two years, while Eir workers are in line for a 13% boost over the next 33 months.
For An Post employees, the pay increase would be phased in, starting with a 4% raise effective from January 1, 2024, followed by 3% in 2025 and a final 1% in June 2025. The agreement would conclude on December 31, 2025, benefiting almost 8,500 postal workers.
CWU general secretary Seán McDonagh described the deal as the highest pay increase agreed at An Post in 20 years, recognizing the essential contribution of workers to the company’s transformation. The union’s delegate conference in Galway this week is recommending both pay deals to its members.
Eir workers earning up to €50,000 could see an 11% increase in base pay over 33 months, starting from July 1, 2024, with a front-loaded structure delivering 6.5% in the first year. Those earning more than €70,000 are in line for a 10% increase, with pay progression for managerial grades potentially reaching a total increase of 13% throughout the deal.
Mr. McDonagh emphasized the challenges of negotiating these agreements amidst high inflation and increased pressures on household budgets, but believes the deals make up ground for workers and their families. The upcoming member ballot will determine the fate of these pay agreements, which could significantly impact the lives of Eir and An Post employees.