Athlone-based Senator, Gabrielle McFadden, has written to An Post Chief Executive, David McRedmond warning of the dangers of threatening to shut the Mail Centre in Athlone.
Her action is in response to statements made yesterday by Mr McRedmond, which inferred that there might be a threat to some of An Post’s facilities and services.
“People will understand that changes are necessary in An Post, but causing uncertainty, worry, and stress to workers is not the best way to engage them in a process to deliver change,” said the Senator.
“The last thing that is needed is a threat. What we need is a positive vision. There are 180 full- and part-time staff in the Athlone Mail Centre, which is a purpose-built facility, opened just 14 years ago. Being close to Dublin and the main arteries to the West of Ireland means that the location is strategically very important.
“For the last five years it was named the top mail centre in Ireland and An Post are currently spending money on upgrading the equipment in Athlone. The staff are committed and experienced and understand the difficulties facing An Post.”
Senator McFadden is calling on Mr McRedmond to remove any uncertainty and to reassure workers by making a clear statement of the support of An Post management for the Athlone Mail Centre without delay. She has also contacted Minister for Communications, Denis Naughten, and asked him to get behind her campaign to fight for the centre.
