Labour Court calls for talks on An Post drug refund scheme

The Labour Court recommended that An Post and the Communications Workers' Union (CWU) hold meaningful talks on reforming the company's Drug Refund and Medical Refund Schemes, with discussions to finish by 31 January 2010. The union sought increases to the Drug Refund Scheme from 1 August 2002. Staff were receiving €85 a month under 2005 rates. An Post opposed the claim and proposed closing both schemes, while the Court said an agreement to reform them, reached in 2007, still applied. The recommendation was signed on 17 September 2009. Any outstanding issues after the talks could be referred back to the Court.