Post workers face uncertain future

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/content/ev ... 3A02%3A203" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Last updated: 2/11/2009 7:15:00 AM
THOUSANDS of Royal Mail workers in the region face an uncertain future after the group announced £20million cost cutting plans.

Royal Mail denied plans to axe 16,000 jobs nationally, but the group is set to hold two day talks with union bosses in March to discuss moves to modernise the business.

Paul Moffat , eastern region secretary of the Communications Workers Union (CWU), said although specific details hadn't been released, it would undoubtedly have an impact in the long term.

“It's no great surprise to us. They have been discussing cost cutting for ages. There will be job losses in our region, we're sure. We haven't been given any detail yet.”

Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of the CWU, said Royal Mail is pushing for 10% cost saving for offices across the country.

“This is not agreed by the CWU and could have a huge impact on both job losses and a reduction of full time jobs to part time jobs.

“We are not opposed to modernisation but these are random savings which have not been properly worked out. They have nothing to do with modernisation, they are panic measures that will hit the quality of the service.

Mr Ward added: “This decision comes after profits in Royal Mail have soared, which brings into further question the necessity of these cost-cutting quotas.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We have absolutely no plans to cut 16,000 jobs, but there is a programme to cut overheads and central costs which is not about our front line people.

“In the current economic climate - and with a rapidly declining market - we are always looking at ways to reduce costs while at the same time safeguarding services to our customers.”

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is pressing ahead with controversial plans to sell a minority stake in the state-owned firm, despite a rebellion from unions and some backbench Labour MPs.

Since 2002, the Royal Mail Group, which employs around 180,000 staff, has shed 50,000 jobs. In Suffolk up to 50 post offices were forced to shut and more than 30 in Essex in a national cull last year.

[DGP1]

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We have absolutely no plans to cut 16,000 jobs, but there is a programme to cut overheads and central costs which is not about our front line people.

I'm sick of this lie my office has been told to cut hours (the only non delivery hours we have now is management grade), I think RM (like the Labour Government) are working on the principle of 'If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.' funny that because I thought the Nazi's where evil

[Big Daz]

Same in my D.O

OPG'S and 2 managers thats all we have, no DOM support no LA grades so if 3% saving is not about frontline people then i need to go back to school.