Chairman of the Isle of Man Post Office Alan Crowe MLC says his hands are tied after the Communication Workers’ Union announced it would ballot members over industrial action.
The union is demanding a pay rise for its members this year, but Mr Crowe says the public sector pay freeze means that can't happen.
He says it's for the union to decide what, if any, action it will be taking, and the Post Office will decide its response once it's been notified.
However, he admits the threat of the dispute becoming a possible strike is worrying:
Amber weather warning issued as strong winds and coastal conditions expected overnight
Hospice funding criticised by UK charity chief amid Isle of Man service cuts
Sailings cancelled as storm brings gale-force winds
Manx Mountain Marathon route diverted over safety concerns amid forecast strong winds