Fórsa has said it is open to discussing management’s proposal for a voluntary redundancy programme in An Post once the level of interest among staff becomes clear. But the union warned it would not accept compulsory job losses.

The semi-state announced on the 15th August that it intends to invite applications for voluntary severance from managers and staff across all corporate centre and support services this month.

On a related issue, Fórsa said it understood that no decision had yet been made in relation to the future of the iconic GPO building in Dublin’s O’Connell Street. Rather, An Post’s board has said it will explore the options of refurbishing the GPO or looking at alternative accommodation for back office staff based there.

Regarding reports that the company wants to cut 300 jobs, Fórsa official Denis Keane said: “An Post has indicated that it will launch a voluntary leaver programme in September. The important word here is voluntary. The union has not yet been in any real discussions about this, but we will do that once the level of interest among our members is established. We have made clear to management that no compulsory job losses would be acceptable to us, and we are reassured that none are planned.”

There have been no detailed discussions on the future of the GPO building either as the company is only exploring options at this stage. It has said that the main post office in the GPO will be maintained. “We will expect to be in discussions with the company as soon as its review is completed,” said Denis.