03-04-2007: Liberalization of postal services: CESI urges caution

In view of the uncertainties and risks linked to a complete liberalization of the postal market, CESI has urged the Commission, in an --> opinion addressed to the latter, to proceed with caution.
"The sense of haste expressed by the Commission in its proposal for a directive is incomprehensible to us", declared CESI General Secretary Helmut Müllers. "The Commission should therefore move away from its goal of completely opening up the postal market to competition by 1 January, 2009."
Müllers continued: "In the light of examples provided by other failed attempts at liberalization, independent trade unions demand that a thorough risk analysis be undertaken regarding social cohesion and employment in each Member State before the completion of the internal market for postal services. After all, sustainable universal services are a significant part of the European Social Model."
Full competition would, in CESI’s view, imply a battle to find the lowest postal rates. This would undoubtedly be at the expense of employees and their salaries and working conditions. This is why CESI is demanding in its opinion that all those in charge of postal services guarantee their employees a minimum salary and additional social benefits. Service providers should also be obliged to make available a minimum number of traineeships.
"People expect a maximum amount of quality when it comes to the provision of postal services. In the view of independent trade unions, this demand can only be met by providing high-quality jobs. For this reason, we categorically reject the notion of outsourcing", observed Müllers in conclusion.
 
Photo: © European Community, 2007