An Post has warned the Communication Workers' Union that it will sue for any loss arising from industrial action threatened by postal workers.
Last Friday, CWU workers voted 9-1 in favour of industrial action if any existing agreements are breached, and seven days' strike notice was served on the company.
However, An Post has written to the union saying that it is unaware of any dispute between the company and the union.
It says that if such a dispute did exist, it would have been referred to the Labour Relations Commission - or failing that, to the Labour Court - in accordance with agreed procedures.
The company says that as those procedures have not been exhausted, the union's strike notice is invalid.
It warns the CWU that if it instigates industrial action in breach of the 1990 Industrial Relations Act, An Post is reserving the right to institute proceedings against the union without further notice, to recover damages for any loss arising from such action.
