GSG 07-23 Branch Rationalisation
01/March/2023
Description
24th February 2023
You will be aware from GSG Circular No. 02/22 the National Executive Council agreed to conduct a complete review of all aspects of the Unions’ business as part of the ‘Shaping the Future Union’ strategy. This was unanimously endorsed last May at Biennial Conference. Central to our agreed strategy is the requirement to make the best use of our resources to maintain and improve services to members.
Critical to doing this is to have a Branch Structure that works best for the organisation and members. While existing structures have served us well, they are in place for a very long time. There is no doubt that we can, and must improve our organisation, recognising the changes that have already taken place and those that are required for the future.
Further consultation and engagement regarding Branch Rationalisation has taken place with Branches since Conference. Arising from these deliberations, the National Executive Council has decided the following approach.
Postal Managers- New Structure
| New Structure | Members |
| Dublin Postal & Clerical/Admin Mgrs | 235 |
| Dublin Mails Mgrs | 127 |
| Cork/Limerick/Waterford/Portlaoise/Naas Mgrs | 132 |
| Galway/Sligo/Mullingar/Dundalk Mgrs | 87 |
| TOTAL | 581 |
eComms- New Structure
| Proposal | Members |
| Dublin No.2 | 197 |
| Portlaoise & Waterford (Sean Connolly) | 208 |
| Sligo & Galway | 418 |
| Cork | 209 |
| Drogheda | 91 |
| Limerick | 193 |
| Dublin No.1 | 441 |
| eir National Mgrs | 150 |
| KNN Contractors Branch | 543 |
| Vodafone Branch | 171 |
| TOTAL | 2,621 |
The changes to be implemented for the Postal Managers and eComms are a first step towards further amalgamations. Discussions with Branches, due for amalgamation, will now commence to determine Structure/Standing Orders and to ensure a smooth transition for members involved.
Postal Branch Structure
The existing structure is in place since the early nineties, which at the time replicated the company Head Postmaster Structure. This company management structure has since been abolished, replaced and reorganised on a number of occasions with Area and subsequently, Regional structures, together with business separation.
As previously outlined, the NEC believes consideration should be given to having a Regional Branch Structure. In consideration of this, it was agreed to circulate options for review and discussion by Branches set out in the Appendices.
- Amalgamate Branches to a DSU County Structure – Appendix 1
- Amalgamate Branches to a District Structure – Appendix 2
- Amalgamate Branches to a Cluster Structure – Appendix 3
Branches are requested to review these options and revert with their views by the 7th April 2023. Whatever revised structure is agreed by the NEC, a period of time for local engagement to ensure smooth implementation and agreement on Standing Orders will be required. Discussion with the company regarding release facilities etc., will also be required.
Clerical Members
The National Executive Council has decided to conduct a nationwide survey of Clerical members in An Post to seek their views on the most effective Branch Structure that will best represent their interests. The arrangements for conducting the survey will be advised to you separately.
Private Sector
Private sector members, currently unassigned will be placed in the appropriate Branch in the new structures.
In respect of all the changes outlined above, I wish to acknowledge that, in the main, members are satisfied and proud of their Branch.
That being said, these changes are essential to the continued success of the Union in light of the changing profile of our membership and the need for effective succession planning as some branches reduce in size. We have adapted to these changes successfully before and I am sure we will do so again on this occasion.
We strive to be a stronger more cohesive organisation with the ability to respond to the future demands of members and in progressing these changes, I wish to give every assurance that the necessary time will be taken to make sure these changes are done in the right way.
I would appreciate that you would advise members accordingly and look forward to your assistance in continuing to build a better, more effective Union.
Attachment to GSG 07-23 Branch Rationalisation