The threat of strikes by workers in large post offices has been averted after a deal was agreed on pay and the size of the network.
The Communication Workers Union will recommend the deal to its members, saying it includes a two-year pay rise worth 3.6%, a £1,000 lump sum and a one-year extension on the guarantee of the size of the so-called Crown Post Office network.
The union said the deal, expected to be accepted by workers, will give 4,000 staff a 2.2% rise for the current financial year and a further 1.4% from April.
CWU members had voted in favour of industrial action in protest at a planned pay freeze.
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "We're really pleased to have secured this pay rise for staff in the Post Office; it's a piece of good news following a hard set of negotiations.
"Equally important is the guarantee that no further Crown offices will be closed during the next 12 months. The scale and quality of postal services is under threat from Government plans to break up and privatise Royal Mail Group along with a declining market so job security has been a major focus of our talks with the company."
Andy Furey, CWU assistant secretary, added: "Our members sent a strong message to Post Office management that double standards on pay were not acceptable. We're delighted to have secured a two-year pay rise for these hard-working staff, but it's a shame that it took a strike ballot to get here."
The union said the deal meant that the 373-strong Crown Post Office network will remain intact, with no further closures for at least a year.
Balloting on the deal will start on Friday and end on April 13.
