GSP 12-21 Prio / Next Day
01/April/2021
Description
I wish to update you on the negotiations which have been taking place in relation to the Company’s Prio/Eco delivery project, now entitled Prio/Next Day. As you are aware the recent pay proposals, which were overwhelmingly accepted by our members, contained a provision to conclude the associated discussions by the end of March 2021, with a view to implementation as soon as possible thereafter. On the 6th January 2021 we received a detailed presentation from the An Post senior management team which included the following;
- Revised Product & Pricing
- Design, Implementation & Timeframe
- Projected Impact & Savings
- Government and Regulatory (ComReg) engagement
They declared they had a green light to proceed with the pricing changes in March 2021 and thereafter intended to redesign 92 Delivery Units by November 2021.The expectation from their analysis predicted a 16% head count reduction. As outlined at our pay seminar the company’s plan was over ambitious and as a result, they have recently confirmed their decision to defer the launch and implementation of
Prio/Next Day, until early next year. While the main reason given for the postponement of the project was the evident Health and Safety challenges of implementing such a change during the pandemic, we have a number of concerns about the approach taken to date.
We are still awaiting evidence of clear Government and Regulatory approval. It makes little sense to project savings when it would be more realistic to base assumptions on the real examples which the concept offices will provide. The postponement of the revised pricing strategy, together with the decision not to apply stamp price increase in 2020, will put further pressure on the company finances already under serious pressure from the impact of the pandemic and associated costs. Neither are we convinced there is unanimity among the management team on how best to proceed, as evidenced by the way the company is approaching issues in Cork and elsewhere.
For our part we are committed to concluding the framework agreement to address any staff impact issues and we look forward to the joint trialling and testing at the concept offices, Dublin 6W and 16, Galway and Tullamore. This process should inform us of the best approach to the design, implementation and time frame. It will also give branches the opportunity to talk with their comrades about their experiences. However, Prio/Next Day can only succeed where it is part of a fit for purpose delivery network ,which has provisions for adapting to the new delivery needs, while ensuring room for growth. In building that new network we expect equal focus on the needs of our members in relation to accommodation, equipment, facilities and Health and Safety.
However, the company cannot take our support on these critical issues for granted. As stated above the process to date does not fill us with confidence. There have been too many instances where members have suffered the effects on pay and pension from poor management decisions and a lack of price increases. The sterling efforts of all members over the past year cannot be simply cast aside once we emerge from the current pandemic. We have a mutual interest in a successful company and also expect our members’ interests will be advanced positively and directly by An Post in discussions with your Union. I have every confidence in our organisation to tackle these major changes and look forward to updating you with progress in due course.