EPMU postal workers summit to discuss drastic changes to NZ Post
In the face of proposed drastic changes to New Zealand Post's operations, UNI Post & Logistics affiliate, the EPMU is organising for a large group of senior delegates who work across the New Zealand Post Group, to hold a summit with the company’s executive management team. New Zealand post has advised the union and the New Zealand Government (the 100% shareholder in NZ Post), that because of dramatic drops in mail volumes that they will be seeking a change to the Deed of Understanding that NZ Post has with the Government saying that the mail volumes no longer warrant 6 day delivery. 3 day delivery is being mooted by the NZ Post Board.
The EPMU in a press release announcing their actions in response to these changes said; “Our membership across New Zealand Post is gearing up to take on the challenges of a changing industry as flagged by New Zealand Post Group CEO Brian Roche, says EPMU National Postal and Logistics Co-ordinator, Anna Kenny. “We’ll have over 30 of our senior delegates from across the group at next week’s summit who will be there representing over 4,000 EPMU members.”
“Other postal organisations around the world are also experiencing big declines in mail volumes, and as a consequence significant loss of revenue,” says Ms Kenny. “We’ve been aware of those effects for some time and we know that declining mail volumes and new technology - including digitalisation, will lead to changes in work models and work practices.”
The EPMU intends to use next week’s summit with New Zealand Post’s executive management to achieve solid commitments to protect living standards and grow good postal jobs, and to ensure employee rights and interests are recognised.
“People are the heart of the postal service and Kiwibank. We will be promoting the need to create and shape a universal, quality postal service in an environment of sustainable development,” says Ms Kenny. “We know our members and the New Zealand public want a sustainable national postal service and Kiwibank, and we’re up to the challenge of doing our bit to make that happen.”
“We understand change is coming, however it will not be immediate. This gives us time to plan, influence and optimise opportunities and outcomes for our members who work in the New Zealand Post Group and care about the postal services we provide to our country.