Australia Post must do all it can to support existing jobs and create new ones as it moves into the future with the introduction of digital mailboxes, says the CEPU – Communications Union.
Today’s announcement that Australia Post will introduce digital mailboxes threatens traditional mail-handling jobs, said CEPU NSW Postal and Telecommunications Secretary Jim Metcher.
However it also ensured that as postal technology develops, consumers would have a reliable and trustworthy service, said Mr Metcher.
“Safe and secure digital mailboxes are going to be crucial for the future of online communication and storage, especially when it comes to personal information.
“Australia Post has long been trusted with handling personal information such as passport applications and banking details and it is great to see this capacity expanding online.”
Mr Metcher said that while he welcomed these developments at Australia Post, they could not be used as an excuse to cut jobs within the organisation.
“It is great to see Australia Post expanding its services and ensuring it remains relevant to the needs of individuals and businesses.
“But Australia Post has a responsibility to continue to supply its core delivery services to the Australian public, provided by experienced employees.
“Postal workers do invaluable work in their communities. Local post offices and the communities they serve will only suffer if jobs are cut.”
For consumers, Australia Post would provide a much more secure and reliable service than private operators, said Mr Metcher.
“There are private operators moving into this sector that do not have the checks and balances in place to guarantee security of sensitive personal information.
“This is not a service that can be entrusted to just anybody. Australia Post already has all the privacy and security regulations in place, it has experienced employees overseeing the technology and is ultimately accountable to government.”
Contact:
Jim Metcher, CEPU – 0418 656 262
Laura McLean, EMC – 0423 377 567
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