Postal workers are striking today after talks to avert strike action failed. 

Members of the Communication Workers Union will stop working for the next three days. 

Talks were held yesterday with the Manx Industrial Relations Service but to no avail. 

Simon Kneen, Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Post Office, says: "From the outset of today’s talks we re-emphasised to the CWU the reasons why financially responsible changes need to be made to sustain the business in the long-term, protecting services and jobs to the benefit of the Manx economy. 

"Despite recognising the challenges the CWU’s counter proposal adds significant additional cost into the business, over and above the IOMPO’s proposal. 

"It’s extremely disappointing and frustrating that the CWU are unwilling to compromise further and will continue the strike action causing further disruption for our customers.

"Our latest pay and pension proposal is, we firmly believe, realistic, fair and financially responsible and seeks to maintain as much as possible the terms and conditions for our valued workforce, but these have to be aligned to our financial status and while the business continues to be loss making, there are simply not the funds to support what the CWU is asking for."

The three day walkout is due to end on Saturday, February 16th. 

The Post Office says it has contingency plans are in place to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.