The postal workers’ Union recognises the need for sensible reform to the reserved letter service. However, it will not support reforms that contribute to postal workers facing compulsory retrenchment as a consequence of the community no longer having access to an affordable and reliable mail or post office service. This is particularly concerning to vulnerable regional and rural areas of the nation.
CEPU NSW Secretary Jim Metcher said; “a change to a two-speed mail service comes with risks and must be carefully assessed in terms of revenue projections and impact to community services and jobs before any change to the reserved letter service is made.
“We acknowledge the effect that the downturn in letter volumes is having on Australia Post revenue but we stress the need to exercise caution against any over reach in changes to the reserved letter services.
Without a cautious approach grounded in detailed stakeholder consultation we could see job losses lead to a terminal crisis if the community and postal users switch off Australia Post altogether,” Mr Metcher said.
“Australia Post has over many years built a reputation as a trusted and reliable community service provider. Reforms should not just address revenue weakness around declining letter volumes but should also set out a long term plan for the Government to do more in strengthening Australia Post’s future sustainability while maintaining its trusted business and service capabilities.”
“We need more detail from both Australia Post and the Government on what this reform will do for the future sustainability of Australia Post, what it means for the thousands of paying postal users and what it means for its hard-working staff with their jobs.
“It is vital that any reform to the postal system is aimed at improving sustainability and doesn’t unwittingly accelerate mail decline and create an unintended communications crisis within the community.
“The benefits Australia Post provides to the wider community are far reaching, especially the job opportunities and variety of services it provides including its important social role.
“We agree on the need for sensible reform to the way our post service does business with the community, but never at the expense of those who rely on its services and its employment.
“The Union is calling on the Federal Government to establish a framework for Australia Post to engage with the community and key stakeholders before reforms are introduced so that postal workers and their Unions can have a say into changes that provide for a future sustainable Australia Post,” Mr Metcher said.
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