AUSTRIA: MODERNISATION OF THE POST

Article Abstract:

Director general Anton Wais is to carry out a modernisation and cost-cutting programme at Osterreichische Post in order to prepare the service for the full liberalisation of the market by year 2003. Although no large-scale redundancies are being planned, the Post aims to cut by up to 20% personnel costs, which currently amount to about Sch 14bn per year and account for 70% of the overall costs of the Post. By the end of year 2000 the Post aims to cut labour costs by 1.6-1.8%. Mr Wais estimates that natural wastage in counter service will allow the reduction of 2,000 jobs per year. Working time is to be made more flexible and longer. Changes will be needed in legislation to allow the Post to modernise antiquated pay rules. By stopping payment of overtime that has not actually been worked, the Post expects savings of up to Sch 18mn. The Post employs about 31,000 people, of whom 19,000 have the status of public servant.

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AUSTRIA: UNION CONCERNED ABOUT POST PLANS

Article Abstract:

Trade union representatives warn that the modernisation plans of Osterreichische Post may result in the closing of about 1,700 of Austria's 2,216 post offices and in the loss of about 2,000 jobs. The Post is planning to make 550 post offices into service points, while the remaining ones will provide only standard services. The service points will provide post and telecom services and sell advanced financial products of P.S.K. A spokeswoman for the post, however, said that the plan cannot be carried out until the new ownership structure of the Postsparkasse is known. The 14,600 postmen of Osterreichische Post will no longer work for the individual post offices but for 550 regional mail delivery units.

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AUSTRIA: POST LOOKING FOR SOURCES OF REVENUE

Article Abstract:

According to director general Anton Wais, Osterreichische Post is considering to introduce new services to prepare for the deregulation of the mail services market. Such new services could include address directories and providing assistance to companies in producing advertising material. According to Wais, Osterreichische Post is in talks with Wirtschaftskammer about outsourcing the services of the 800 loss-making post offices.

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