Proposed changes to Australia Post’s regional mail sorting centres have been put on hold today, following talks between the union and the company.
Australia Post has proposed changes to mail sorting in a number of regional NSW areas including Albury, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong, Bathurst, Tamworth, Kempsey and Casino.
The changes, if implemented, could result in significant job loss and delays to mail delivery.
CEPU NSW Branch Secretary Jim Metcher said the talks between the company and the union have so far been constructive.
“Talks between the union and Australia Post, which involved union representatives from all the affected NSW regional locations and senior management representatives, to discuss the contemplated changes to regional mail sorting plans were constructive and meaningful,” Mr Metcher said.
“While a decision on the planned changes to the mail sorting work remains on hold, Australia Post has agreed that any job losses as a result of mail sorting changes will not involve any forced retrenchment of an employee.
The equivalent of around 60 full time jobs across the seven NSW regional locations would be at risk if the move were to go ahead. The present mail delivery service would also shift from a next day delivery service to a two day delivery service for mail items posted at a street post box within the region for a delivery destination within the same region.
Only mail posted at the main post office counter within the regional city location would continue to receive a next day delivery, and only if the mail item delivery destination is within the regional city or an adjoining town.
“Although the union has reserved its position on the changes, we have indicated to Post during these talks that the union is very reluctant to support changes that adversely affect the mail delivery services currently enjoyed by these regions,” Mr Metcher said.
“The union has also sought further information from Post on staff modelling under the proposal, along with a revenue and operating costs analysis to be shared with the union for each identified work site to allow talks to continue and resume in around three week time.”
Media contact: Alana Mew, 0419 929 722
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