Glebe residents, whose Post Office shuts for good this week, will receive a vastly inferior postal service from the main street’s new stamp-selling convenience store, the CEPU Postal Union said today.
Australia Post announced this week it will set up a Community Postal Agency offering limited postal services out of the main street’s Lucky 7 Convenience Store, to replace the Post Office it is closing.
“A convenience store is a place to buy drinks and cigarettes – it’s not a suitable location for community members to conduct their important postal and financial transactions,” said CEPU NSW Secretary Jim Metcher.
“The people of Glebe have been short-changed with this cheap and short-sighted arrangement. They will inevitably have to travel out of the area in search of a full Post Office service.”
Australia Post did not consult with either the CEPU, the union representing postal workers, or Glebe residents before yesterday’s announcement of the new Community Postal Agency for Glebe.
“Australia Post is treating its own workforce and its customers with contempt – this is not the service Australians expect their iconic postal service to provide,” said Mr Metcher.
“Australia Post needs to do better.”
With two other Sydney Post Offices – Woollahra and Turrumurra – also slated for immediate closure and many others across the state targeted for closure this year; the ‘convenience store’ approach is of great concern, said Mr Metcher.
“I’m very worried Australia Post will be using the Lucky 7 Convenience Store model as it moves to shut down more Post Offices. In the past, we’ve seen Australia Post offer its services through a variety of inappropriate locations including bottle shops.
“The CEPU will work with the Glebe community to fight for a better outcome for residents.”
Media contact:
Jim Metcher, CEPU NSW Postal & Telecommunications Branch Secretary: 0418 656 262
Jacky Woods, EMC: 0414 241 483
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