The CEPU has called on the Federal Government to provide $40 million of support to Australia Post’s Future Skills program.
CEPU NSW State Secretary Jim Metcher appeared at the Federal Government’s inquiry into the NBN where he called for Government funding of at least $40 million to Australia Post’s Future Skills program.
In August 2010, Australia Post announced that it would invest $20 million of its own funds on training programs designed to equip staff with the skills they need to work in growth areas of Australia Post’s business.
Of late, we have seen Future Skills focussed on building the skills and capabilities of existing staff displaced as a result of potential redundancies and increasing the prospect of successful redeployment into Australia Post’s growth areas.
The CEPU, although overall supportive of the National Broadband Network’s implementation, is mindful of the serious impact widely-available high-speed broadband will have on Australia Post’s core business. Enhancing broadband technology will undoubtedly impact staff at Australia Post by accelerating mail substitution and reducing the demand for bill payment and other agency services offered in traditional post offices.
However, growth in parcel opportunities and e-services as an example, will provide benefits to the organisation but need to be balanced against the decreased need for letter delivery services undertaken by traditional posties, mail officers and drivers while reduced customer foot traffic in post offices will affect our retail members.
With additional funding, Australia Post benefit by maximising staff retention where possible through effective, practical and business focussed job transition. CEPU members benefit by being able to access this programme to enable them to remain in employment as opposed to retrenchment and the wider Australian community benefits through an effective reduction of possible burdens of unemployment in the community.
The measures sought by Jim Metcher received positive support from both Government and Opposition MPs who took part in the Inquiry’s proceedings.
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