And its social aspects 

The European Social Dialogue Committee (SDC) for the Postal sector published its final report, based on its first large scale study across 27 member states.  Formed in 1999, following the European Commission’s decision to ‘adapt and promote social dialogue at the community level’, the Committee is made up of representatives from European postal operators (via PostEurop), postal employees (via UNI Post & Logistics) and the European Commission.  The objective of the SDC is to advise the European Commission on initiatives in European policy which could have a social impact on the postal sector and to encourage and promote social dialogue within the postal sector.   This final report reveals main findings of the study and conclusions for next steps.

As a final step to the ambitious joint study project of the Social Partners, “Social partners preparing for change”, co-financed by the European Commission, the SDC for the Postal sector has issued the final project report,  based on its first large scale study across all 27 member states.

The two-step study was based on the development of an initial study supported by the consultancy Copenhagen Economics, by means of questionnaires sent to postal operators and trade unions, and further supported by complementary desk research.  This was then followed by presentations of research main findings, further sharing and mutual learning which took place in Madrid (Spain), Bucharest (Romania) and Budapest (Hungary), amongst 21 participating countries.

Main Findings

The study focussed on the following areas:

• Social regulation

• Change management

• The economic and social structure of new entrants

• The Universal Service provision

It revealed a very diverse situation across member states from size of operation to regulatory framework.  Nevertheless, all National Postal Operators (NPOs), face similar technological, economic and regulatory challenges which result in the adaptation of their respective work organisation, the modernization of their infrastructures and the diversification of their activities. 

During the transformation process, a constructive social dialogue supports Change Management programs and likewise, a methodological program is crucial to the success of the company in adapting swiftly to the change within the work and social environment.

 “Postal operators still belong to the largest employers in Europe.  More than 1.7 million employees today form the backbone of this industry.  Hence, the transformation of the postal sector should be supported by a good change management process and an active social dialogue” says Dominique Bailly, Chair of the Social Responsibility Committee at PostEurop.

“Throughout the entire project, participants have been given the opportunity to engage in important dialogues and obtain a deeper understanding of the overall changes we are witnessing today in the European postal sector.  This report captures and documents all aspects of the study, making it an important read for all” said Heike Ausprung, Chair of the Social Affairs Committee representing PostEurop within the Social Dialogue Committee for the Postal sector.

 “For centuries, social factors are a main driver for the postal community.  Hence, we are grateful for the support from the European Commission and for the engagement of our partners within this project.  I truly believe that the benefits which our members can derive from these key learnings will help foster key initiatives within this industry” commented Botond Szebeny, PostEurop Secretary General.

-End-

More about the Social Dialogue Committee (SDC) for the Postal Sector

The Social Dialogue Committee (SDC) for the postal sector was set up in 1999, following the European Commission’s decision to ‘adapt and promote social dialogue at the community level’.  The Committee aims to advise the European Commission on initiatives in European policy which could have a social impact on the postal sector and to encourage and promote social dialogue within the postal sector.  The SDC consists of representatives from the European postal employers (via PostEurop), postal employees (via UNI Post & Logistics) and the European Commission.  See also www.postsocialdialog.org

For more information about this report, please contact:

Margaux Meidinger

Groupe La Poste

T: +33 1 55 44237

For other information, please contact:

Cynthia Wee

Communications Manager

T: +32 2 773 11 92