'End of an era for Post Office', says CWU
24th January 2012
Responding to confirmation of separation of the Post Office away from Royal Mail Group, the Communication Workers Union welcomes confirmation of a 10 year commercial contract but urges caution over claiming success and raises concerns over the sustainability of jobs and services across the network.
Billy
Hayes, CWU general secretary,
said: "This announcement paves the way for the end of the Post
Office as we know it. It's the end of an era and an
unprecedented step by the government - we're not
aware of any other country which has
severed the retail post office network away from the main mails,
deliveries and logistics part of the business. When people think of
the Post Office they think of the whole mail network from post
office to postman, sorting and delivery - but not any
more.
"Ed Davey's optimism is of course welcome but we think it is too early to claim success for an initiative which is untested, unprecedented in global postal industries and which has many uncertainties ahead - mutualisation for example. The new 'Locals' model is something which most customers and postmasters would argue does not represent progress as it in fact reduces access to services.
"We're relieved that government has at least taken on board our arguments that a minimum 10 year inter-business agreement between Royal Mail and the Post Office was needed to secure access to products and services, and of course revenue for post offices. Without our lobbying last year and the intervention of MPs from all parties this would not have happened. The irony of course is that a commercial agreement would not be necessary if the government wasn't separating the Post Office from Royal Mail.
"The future for
the Post Office is less than clear. While some new contracts have
been won they don't replace the huge contracts which have
b
een lost.
The 'Green Giros' benefit payment contract ends this year
and National Saving and Investment products are being pulled out of
post offices. These brought benefits to the whole network and their
loss is already being felt by postmasters up and down the
country.
"While little material difference will be felt today, from the separation date of 1st April Post Office staff will have questions and concerns about their job security and the protection of the their pay, pensions and employee benefits. We are continuing to do everything possible to protect both jobs and post office services."
CWU represents workers in Crown post offices, postmasters and staff across Royal Mail Group.
Do you work for the Post Office? Join the CWU now to make a change, ensuring a better future for all.
