News

On 23 September, a UNI delegation supported French Postal workers fighting against the privatisation of La Poste. UNI joined the 3000 postal workers, postal users, elected representatives and trade unions demonstrating in the Paris streets. Many more demonstrated across France. A strike also took place at La Poste, followed by 40% of workers according to Unions. “The privatization of La Poste is a threat; A threat to employment as we all as to postal users by undermining the access to all to a public service, especially in rural regions. In the current context of the financial crisis, the privatization of La Poste, does not make sense” said UNI’s General Secretary Philip Jennings.



The privatisation project of La Poste was announced in July by Jean-Paul Bailly, CEO of La Poste and presented to the French government some weeks ago. French unions decided to fight back together by organising a day of strike and demonstration, as well as sensitising postal users about the effects of a potential privatisation by asking them to sign a petition against privatisation. The idea of using the referendum process, a legal tool adopted in July by the French Parliament is being discussed. The French government has decided to set up a Commission to reflect on the future of La Poste. This is only the beginning of the debate.