Norway: 370 jobs go in Posten
Posten is to cut 370 jobs over a two-year period
UNI Post & Logistics Norwegian affiliate, Postkom , has been in negotiations about the scope of the downsizing. The result is that in 2009 "records" is to conduct staffing cuts at 340 positions in staff and support functions. In 2010, an additional 30 positions will go. -"Although the cut is less extensive than previously indicated by the records, it feels heavy for Postkoms members to enter into a new period of change and uncertainty" said Federation President, Christian Øverland.
In December Posten went out with a press release that warned that up to 450 man-years from the current level of 1,500 positions in staff and support functions would be cut. This restructuring is one of several measures in Posten's cost cutting program, "Spinnaker", which they say must be undertaken as a result of falling letter volumes and increased competition.
Among other things agreed to was some major organizational changes, and comprehensive adjustments in procedures and working methods that limited the number of redundancies. It was also agreed that geography should not be driving the redundancies to facilitate remote workplaces but originally it was proposed to close down of two of its five customer centres. In the negotiations Postkom has received approval that all five geographical units shall remain.
The existing redundancy agreement forms the basis for the implementation of the job cuts. It was also agreed that a quick response bonus would be paid for those who quickly decide on a voluntary resignation. The bonus is equivalent to three regular monthly salaries and is in addition to final consideration that the redundancy agreement would provide.
Other concessions in respect of the pensions rights for volunteers for redundancy were also obtained.
Christian Øverland concluded by saying “I am very sorry that it is necessary for a new round of restructuring that results in hundreds of post employees losing their jobs. But the company (Posten) must take responsibility for the fact that staff and support functions have increased disproportionately in recent years, while Postkom has been involved in negotiating large reductions the operations staff.