GSP 19-21 Mails & Parcels
02/July/2021
Description
I wish to update you on developments since we issued GS circular 12/21 in April, in relation to the company’s proposed alternate day delivery model, Eco/Next Day. At that time, we outlined that An Post senior management decided to defer the launch and implementation of Eco/Next Day, until early 2022. Since then, discussions have, in the main, focussed on the company approach to the trial of the company’s concept at Dublin 6W and 16, Galway and Tullamore. In this regard, the company has also had a complete rethink of its original plan to complete a full redesign at each DSU, based on live mail over a four-week period, at which stage a complete reversion of the redesign would take place.
It was envisaged the trial would inform of the best approach to design, learnings of the alternate model, including implementation capabilities. It now transpires live mail cannot be used in the trial, as it would impact on customers, leading to service failures. Neither was it considered operationally sensible to implement a full redesign for a four-week period and then change back to the original design. Such a concept could hardly be described as an unforeseen consequence.
An alternative, but limited test and learn exercise of the company’s alternate delivery model will be conducted at the originally agreed four DSUs identified above. This involves a simulated desktop exercise, capturing the volume and hit rates of the live mail from a selected 5 duties for a two-week period. An allocation of between 5-15% will be designated as premium next day mail for the purpose of the exercise. The Union has agreed to cooperate with this limited pilot which will take place in July, following which the company will share the outcome.
So, the question is where do we go from here? It is clear the company was not ready to introduce its alternate delivery model or pricing changes to any of the three timeframes advanced thus far. The alternate test and learn exercise will not inform management’s capabilities to realise the shared objective to implement in a seamless fashion a new fit for purpose delivery model. Furthermore, the over ambitious savings target of a max. €15m, are not realisable as evidenced by the accelerated mail profile changes during the COVID lockdowns.
The rapidly changing environment during COVID and the impact this will have on longer term letters and parcels volume is not fully understood yet and won’t be until we see the country fully re-opened after COVID. As it stands today, nobody, including An Post management, can say for certain what letters and parcels volumes will look like next year or even what the mix of eco to next day product will be. Because of this, the Union contends the enforced pause presents an opportunity to consider an alternative approach that enables the new pricing strategy for letters and parcels to be introduced on the existing delivery model. Such an approach offers a real opportunity for meaningful test and learn so that we can all understand and measure the real time customer reaction to the new premium product and service. Resourcing requirements could then be revised that mirror actual volumes and customer demands. The resultant savings, which would include the associated and prolonged implementation process, will as agreed be shared with staff.
In the drive to have the necessary equipment, facilities and Health and Safety requirements in place, trials are also taking place on the following issues:
• Scissors Lift
• Shelving Units in CMVs
• Tray Holders
• Expanded Bench slot size
• E-trike
Accommodation
In a final effort to avert industrial action commencing at Bantry, Ballina, Dungarvan and Tralee, a meeting will take place next week with senior management to ascertain if interim and/or more long-term solutions can be found. The accommodation facilities at these offices are not acceptable and it is grossly unfair the company would expect staff to work in such atrocious conditions. Hopefully, management will not be found wanting and will take advantage of this window of opportunity.
Indoor Admin Operative
The company has confirmed that the sign off in respect of the Indoor Admin posts have been completed. Successful candidates will shortly receive confirmation of their appointment and will be placed on the new pay scale immediately. Issuing of contracts and payment of arrears to 31st August 2020 will be completed as quickly as possible.
Cork City Redesign
Implementation of a full redesign and consolidation and motorisation of deliveries from Cobh, North & South City and Little Island to Cork City DSU, will go live next week. The changes were agreed and finalised following trojan teamwork by the newly constituted CWU Branch, with shrewd guidance from Bill Colfer, CWU Regional Officer, and with the assistance of the Monitoring Group.