Postcomm’s demerger for PO damaging and incompetent

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.cwu.org.uk/news.asp?step=3&NID=2170

News
17 November 2008
Postcomm’s demerger for Post Offices damaging and incompetent

The CWU today (Monday) brands Postcomm “incompetent” for its proposal to demerge the post office network from Royal Mail.

Billy Hayes, general secretary, said: “Postcomm is again displaying its incompetence in managing the UK’s mail system by making this proposal to demerge the post office network from Royal Mail.

“Separation would create greater uncertainty for the network. Royal Mail needs the post office to provide a universal service while the post office remains dependent on Royal Mail for approximately a third of its revenue. Separation would threaten not strengthen this revenue stream.

“Separation is unnecessary to achieve Postcomm’s stated objectives which include enabling private operators to access the post office network. This is clearly Postcomm trying to push its own agenda of privatising Royal Mail instead of assessing the real issues facing the mail network.

“We welcome Postcomm’s recognition of the importance of the community role of the network and support for training and enterprise. The post office network plays a crucial social and economic role and does not need further threats to its future.”