UNI believes that the system of post regulation must consistently deliver quality services at a reasonable cost to all citizens. There should be a shift in the current proposals to change the global delivery regulatory regimes beyond the narrow promotion of competition. We would like to see regulation promote wider social objectives, to encourage investment and take greater account of the interests of those employed in the industry.
Excessive cost cutting and regulating for unsustainable competition has put at risk the universal postal service. Our concern is that cost cutting and uncertainty about where the investment will be directed is having a marked affect on employment in the sector, with job security and a deterioration in working conditions making this a less than desirable industry to be employed in.
Governments should look into ensuring that the postal network is affordable to all in their country. Governments need to help subsidise delivery and collection networks where possible, particularly to ensure that there is universally available access to allow citizens to easily utilise and access the postal network.
Quality of the universal service is also important and a secure reliable service should be available on every working day. Quality customer service requires the maintenance of proper standards such as mail safety and security, and regular delivery times.
It is also clear that the global financial crisis is having a profound effect on the global delivery industry. These major financial scandals need to be acknowledged and dealt with if we are to see the legal, regulatory and governance reforms that will minimise the likelihood of this happening again. It is therefore UNI’s view that not only does there need to be acknowledgment of this in postal regulatory reform, but we also need to have Global Corporate Governance rules that are enforceable and manageable.
These rules should ensure that every company operating in the global delivery sector has a corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy that meets several criteria, including transparent financial operations, core labour standards, such as union rights and workers rights, social and environmental concerns integrated into business operations, independent verification of CSR performance, and interaction with stakeholders.
UNI insists that in order to ensure a clean, transparent and corruption free industry, regulators should demand this CSR policy from all companies operating in the global delivery sector.
Neil Anderson, head of UNI Post & Logistics – the global union federation in the global delivery industry with over 2.5 million members who operate in the front lines of a fast changing business environment.