Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have finally agreed a deal to bring the long-running and bitter postal dispute to an end.
The proposed agreement will now be subject to a members' ballot, and barring an unexpected turn of events, looks likely to be accepted by the posties.
But what about the long-term damage done to the organisation? Both sides have indulged in a very public war of words, and it will take time for the scars to heal.
A joint statement was released by the union and Royal Mail yesterday, reinforcing their commitment to "restoring good industrial and employee relations".
"Royal Mail and CWU recognise that the scale of the recent dispute has the potential to damage relationships between managers, reps and employees.Everyone wants to put the dispute behind us and we are committed to restoring good industrial and employee relations at all levels.
All of us are committed to treating everybody and each other with respect."
The financial damage to the organisation of the strikes runs into hundreds of millions of pounds. The damage to its employer brand is unquantifiable.
Meanwhile the public has looked on in a state of confusion as the two sides slugged it out. At least we now know the Christmas post is safe.
One aside to the whole dispute; during the height of strike action the CWU asked members of the public to write to Royal Mail management expressing their support for the posties.
Just exactly how were these letters meant to be delivered?
As with striking tube drivers or council workers, public patience soon wears very thin.
